1972 Citroen SM vs. 1970 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 1972 Citroen SM is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 6,546 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac GTO (256 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1972 Citroen SM. (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 180 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 1970 Pontiac GTO 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 1970 Pontiac GTO. 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, 1970 Pontiac GTO (461 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
1972 Citroen SM | 1970 Pontiac GTO | |
Make | Citroen | Pontiac |
Model | SM | GTO |
Year Released | 1972 | 1970 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2669 cc | 6546 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 173 HP | 256 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 237 Nm | 461 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 104.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 95.3 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1630 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 5160 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1950 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2850 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 67 L |