1972 Citroen SM vs. 2009 Jaguar XK
To start off, 2009 Jaguar XK 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 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Jaguar XK (410 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 237 more horse power than 1972 Citroen SM. (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Jaguar XK weights approximately 215 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 2009 Jaguar XK 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 Jaguar XK. 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 Jaguar XK (560 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 323 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen SM | 2009 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Citroen | Jaguar |
| Model | SM | XK |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2669 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 410 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 71 L |
