1972 Citroen SM vs. 2012 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2012 Jaguar XJ 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Jaguar XJ (510 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 352 more horse power than 1972 Citroen SM. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 509 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 Jaguar XJ 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 Jaguar XJ. 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 Jaguar XJ (624 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 389 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen SM. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen SM. 2012 Jaguar XJ has automatic transmission and 1972 Citroen SM has manual transmission. 1972 Citroen SM will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Jaguar XJ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen SM | 2012 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | Citroen | Jaguar |
| Model | SM | XJ |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 624 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1961 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 5252 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1456 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3157 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 82 L |
