1972 Citroen SM vs. 2009 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 37 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 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (207 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1972 Citroen SM. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Citroen SM weights approximately 480 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 2009 Ford Explorer 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 2009 Ford Explorer. 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, 2009 Ford Explorer (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen SM. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen SM. 2009 Ford Explorer 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. 2009 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen SM | 2009 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | SM | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 4009 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 254 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 5350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 85 L |
