1973 Citroen SM vs. 1951 Ford Zephyr
To start off, 1973 Citroen SM is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,670 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Citroen SM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Citroen SM (171 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1951 Ford Zephyr. (57 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1951 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen SM weights approximately 304 kg more than 1951 Ford Zephyr. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Ford Zephyr 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 1951 Ford Zephyr. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1973 Citroen SM (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Ford Zephyr. (151 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Citroen SM | 1951 Ford Zephyr | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | SM | Zephyr |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 2262 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1146 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 40 L |
