1972 Citroen SM vs. 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 29 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 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette (339 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1972 Citroen SM. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 72 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 2001 Chevrolet Corvette 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 2001 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette (483 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen SM. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen SM. 2001 Chevrolet Corvette 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. 2001 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen SM | 2001 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Citroen | Chevrolet |
| Model | SM | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 5665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 339 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 483 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 117 L |
