1971 Citroen SM vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 41 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, 2012 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1971 Citroen SM. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen SM weights approximately 52 kg more than 2012 Nissan Altima.
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, 2012 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen SM. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen SM | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Citroen | Nissan |
| Model | SM | Altima |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 76 L |
