1972 Citroen SM vs. 2012 BMW 135
To start off, 2012 BMW 135 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 135 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1972 Citroen SM. (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 135 weights approximately 200 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 BMW 135 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 BMW 135. 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 BMW 135 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen SM | 2012 BMW 135 | |
| Make | Citroen | BMW |
| Model | SM | 135 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2669 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4374 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1412 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2659 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 53 L |
