1971 Citroen SM vs. 1984 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1984 Nissan Laurel is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Citroen SM. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Citroen SM would be higher. At 2,670 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Citroen SM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Citroen SM (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1984 Nissan Laurel. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1984 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen SM weights approximately 380 kg more than 1984 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Nissan Laurel is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1984 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Citroen SM, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1971 Citroen SM (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Nissan Laurel. (162 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1971 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen SM | 1984 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Citroen | Nissan |
| Model | SM | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
