1972 Citroen SM vs. 1976 Ferrari 400
To start off, 1976 Ferrari 400 is newer by 4 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 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1976 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ferrari 400 (340 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1972 Citroen SM. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 444 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 1976 Ferrari 400 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 1976 Ferrari 400. 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, 1976 Ferrari 400 (422 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen SM. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen SM. 1976 Ferrari 400 has automatic transmission and 1972 Citroen SM has manual transmission. 1972 Citroen SM will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Ferrari 400 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen SM | 1976 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | Citroen | Ferrari |
| Model | SM | 400 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 340 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 422 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 120 L |
