1972 Citroen SM vs. 1972 Volkswagen 411
To start off, both 1972 Citroen SM and 1972 Volkswagen 411 were released in the same year (1972). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,670 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Citroen SM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Citroen SM (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen 411. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen 411. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Citroen SM weights approximately 372 kg more than 1972 Volkswagen 411. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Volkswagen 411 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 1972 Volkswagen 411. 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, 1972 Citroen SM (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen 411. (135 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1972 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volkswagen 411.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen SM | 1972 Volkswagen 411 | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | SM | 411 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 1679 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2510 mm |
