1972 Citroen SM vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise 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 2,670 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Citroen SM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1972 Citroen SM. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Citroen SM weights approximately 498 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 Lotus Elise 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 Lotus Elise. 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, 1972 Citroen SM (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1972 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen SM | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | SM | Elise |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 40 L |
