1972 Citroen SM vs. 1978 Ferrari 308
To start off, 1978 Ferrari 308 is newer by 6 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 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 308 (240 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1972 Citroen SM. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Citroen SM weights approximately 172 kg more than 1978 Ferrari 308.
Because 1978 Ferrari 308 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 1978 Ferrari 308. 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, 1978 Ferrari 308 (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen SM. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen SM | 1978 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | Citroen | Ferrari |
| Model | SM | 308 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 2927 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 74 L |
