1971 Citroen SM vs. 1995 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1995 Lotus Elan is newer by 24 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, 1995 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1971 Citroen SM. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen SM weights approximately 430 kg more than 1995 Lotus Elan.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1971 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen SM | 1995 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | SM | Elan |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2260 mm |
