1971 Citroen SM vs. 1996 McLaren F1 GTR
To start off, 1996 McLaren F1 GTR is newer by 25 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 6,061 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 McLaren F1 GTR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 McLaren F1 GTR (627 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 469 more horse power than 1971 Citroen SM. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 McLaren F1 GTR should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen SM weights approximately 330 kg more than 1996 McLaren F1 GTR.
Because 1996 McLaren F1 GTR 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 1996 McLaren F1 GTR. 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, 1996 McLaren F1 GTR (715 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 480 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen SM. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 McLaren F1 GTR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen SM | 1996 McLaren F1 GTR | |
| Make | Citroen | McLaren |
| Model | SM | F1 GTR |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 6061 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 627 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 715 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2720 mm |
