1972 Citroen SM vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 9 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, both vehicles can yield 158 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Citroen SM weights approximately 332 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 Lotus Esprit 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. 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 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen SM | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | SM | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| 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 | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 67 L |
