1972 Citroen SM vs. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1972 Citroen SM is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Citroen SM (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 330 kg more than 1972 Citroen SM.
Because 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 (255 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen SM | 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SM | 300 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2669 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 85 L |
