1972 Citroen SM vs. 2004 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 32 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 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1972 Citroen SM. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 98 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen SM. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen SM. 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 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. 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen SM | 2004 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | Citroen | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | SM | 166 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 69 L |
