1971 Citroen SM vs. 2002 BMW X5
To start off, 2002 BMW X5 is newer by 31 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 4,619 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 BMW X5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW X5 (329 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1971 Citroen SM. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW X5 weights approximately 730 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 2002 BMW X5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Citroen SM. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 BMW X5 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 BMW X5 (480 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen SM. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen SM. 2002 BMW X5 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. 2002 BMW X5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen SM | 2002 BMW X5 | |
| Make | Citroen | BMW |
| Model | SM | X5 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 4619 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 329 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 93 L |
