1972 Citroen SM vs. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 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 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (420 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1972 Citroen SM. (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 181 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 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 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 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. 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, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (469 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen SM | 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | |
| Make | Citroen | Aston Martin |
| Model | SM | V8 Vantage |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2669 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 469 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1631 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4382 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1867 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2601 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 80 L |
