1972 Citroen SM vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1972 Citroen SM. (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 435 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 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 Mercedes-Benz CL. 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 Mercedes-Benz CL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen SM | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SM | CL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2669 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| 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 | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 88 L |
