1971 Citroen SM vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am 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 3,349 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (175 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1971 Citroen SM. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen SM weights approximately 36 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am.
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, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen SM. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen SM. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am 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 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen SM | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Citroen | Pontiac |
| Model | SM | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 3349 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1414 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 54 L |
