1972 Citroen SM vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 34 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 3,167 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (247 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1972 Citroen SM. (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 210 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 2006 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Citroen SM. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen SM | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | SM | Passat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2669 cc | 3167 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 68 L |
