1971 Citroen SM vs. 2007 BMW 523
To start off, 2007 BMW 523 is newer by 36 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, 2007 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1971 Citroen SM. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 523 weights approximately 115 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 2007 BMW 523 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 2007 BMW 523. 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, 1971 Citroen SM (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 523. 2007 BMW 523 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. 2007 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen SM | 2007 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Citroen | BMW |
| Model | SM | 523 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 70 L |
