1973 Citroen SM vs. 1955 Lancia Aurelia
To start off, 1973 Citroen SM is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Lancia Aurelia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Lancia Aurelia 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 55 more horse power than 1955 Lancia Aurelia. (116 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1955 Lancia Aurelia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen SM weights approximately 300 kg more than 1955 Lancia Aurelia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Lancia Aurelia 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 1955 Lancia Aurelia. 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 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Lancia Aurelia. (185 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Lancia Aurelia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Citroen SM | 1955 Lancia Aurelia | |
| Make | Citroen | Lancia |
| Model | SM | Aurelia |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 2451 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2670 mm |
