1971 Citroen SM vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (343 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1971 Citroen SM. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 226 kg more than 1971 Citroen SM. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz E 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 Mercedes-Benz E. 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 Mercedes-Benz E (480 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen SM. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen SM. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1971 Citroen SM has manual transmission. 1971 Citroen SM will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1971 Citroen SM | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | SM | E |
Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2670 cc | 4973 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 343 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 235 Nm | 480 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 96.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85 mm |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1676 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4800 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2840 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 80 L |