1972 Citroen SM vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2,670 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Citroen SM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1972 Citroen SM. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Citroen SM weights approximately 313 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1972 Citroen SM (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen SM | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | SM | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 48 L |
