1972 Citroen SM vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1978 Opel Senator 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 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1972 Citroen SM. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 43 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 1978 Opel Senator 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 Opel Senator. 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 Opel Senator (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen SM. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen SM. 1978 Opel Senator 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. 1978 Opel Senator will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen SM | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | SM | Senator |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 44 L |
