1972 Citroen SM vs. 1975 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1975 Opel Ascona is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Citroen SM. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Citroen SM would be higher. 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 68 more horse power than 1975 Opel Ascona. (90 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1975 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Citroen SM weights approximately 462 kg more than 1975 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 Opel Ascona 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 1975 Opel Ascona. 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 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Opel Ascona. (147 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1972 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen SM | 1975 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | SM | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 50 L |
