1972 Citroen SM vs. 2012 Acura TL
To start off, 2012 Acura TL is newer by 40 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Acura TL (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1972 Citroen SM. (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Acura TL weights approximately 240 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Acura TL (344 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen SM | 2012 Acura TL | |
| Make | Citroen | Acura |
| Model | SM | TL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2669 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4928 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 70 L |
