1971 Citroen SM vs. 1985 Ford RS 200
To start off, 1985 Ford RS 200 is newer by 14 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, 1985 Ford RS 200 (247 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1971 Citroen SM. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford RS 200 should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen SM weights approximately 270 kg more than 1985 Ford RS 200.
Because 1985 Ford RS 200 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 1985 Ford RS 200. 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, 1985 Ford RS 200 (293 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen SM. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Ford RS 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen SM | 1985 Ford RS 200 | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | SM | RS 200 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 1804 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 293 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 77.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 116 L |
