1971 Citroen SM vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 38 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 10 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1971 Citroen SM.
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 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen SM | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | SM | 3 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 55 L |
