1972 Citroen SM vs. 1976 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1976 Lancia Beta 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 2,669 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Citroen SM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Citroen SM (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1976 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1976 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Citroen SM weights approximately 410 kg more than 1976 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Lancia Beta 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 Lancia Beta. 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 (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen SM | 1976 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Citroen | Lancia |
| Model | SM | Beta |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2669 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 59 L |
