1971 Citroen SM vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 35 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 30 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen SM weights approximately 96 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen SM. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen SM | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | SM | Golf |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 55 L |
