1971 Citroen SM vs. 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix 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 3,134 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 158 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 20 kg more than 1971 Citroen SM.
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, 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen SM. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen SM. 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix 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 Pontiac Grand Prix will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen SM | 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Citroen | Pontiac |
| Model | SM | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 3134 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 76 L |
