1972 Citroen SM vs. 1959 Jaguar MK II
To start off, 1972 Citroen SM is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Jaguar MK II. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Jaguar MK II would be higher. At 3,442 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Jaguar MK II is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Jaguar MK II (208 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1972 Citroen SM. (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Jaguar MK II should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Jaguar MK II weights approximately 50 kg more than 1972 Citroen SM. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Jaguar MK II 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 1959 Jaguar MK II. 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, 1959 Jaguar MK II (300 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1959 Jaguar MK II will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen SM | 1959 Jaguar MK II | |
| Make | Citroen | Jaguar |
| Model | SM | MK II |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2669 cc | 3442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 106 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2900 mm |
