1972 Citroen SM vs. 2011 Acura RL
To start off, 2011 Acura RL is newer by 39 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Acura RL (300 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1972 Citroen SM. (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Acura RL weights approximately 402 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 2011 Acura RL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Citroen SM. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Acura RL 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, 2011 Acura RL (367 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen SM | 2011 Acura RL | |
| Make | Citroen | Acura |
| Model | SM | RL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2669 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4971 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1847 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2799 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 73 L |
