1972 Citroen SM vs. 1971 Lincoln Continental
To start off, 1972 Citroen SM is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 7,542 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lincoln Continental (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1972 Citroen SM. (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 880 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 1971 Lincoln Continental 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 1971 Lincoln Continental. 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, 1971 Lincoln Continental (488 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen SM | 1971 Lincoln Continental | |
| Make | Citroen | Lincoln |
| Model | SM | Continental |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2669 cc | 7542 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 488 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 2330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 5720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 3230 mm |
