1971 Citroen SM vs. 1997 Ferrari F355
To start off, 1997 Ferrari F355 is newer by 26 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 3,496 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ferrari F355 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ferrari F355 (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 1971 Citroen SM. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen SM weights approximately 100 kg more than 1997 Ferrari F355.
Because 1997 Ferrari F355 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 1997 Ferrari F355. 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, 1997 Ferrari F355 (363 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen SM. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen SM | 1997 Ferrari F355 | |
| Make | Citroen | Ferrari |
| Model | SM | F355 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 77 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 | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 82 L |
