1971 Citroen SM vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 28 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, 1971 Citroen SM (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen SM weights approximately 140 kg more than 1999 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen SM | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercury |
| Model | SM | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
