1973 Citroen SM vs. 1956 Tatra T603
To start off, 1973 Citroen SM is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Tatra T603. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Tatra T603 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 76 more horse power than 1956 Tatra T603. (95 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1956 Tatra T603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Tatra T603 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1973 Citroen SM.
Because 1956 Tatra T603 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 1956 Tatra T603. 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 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Tatra T603. (158 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Tatra T603.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Citroen SM | 1956 Tatra T603 | |
| Make | Citroen | Tatra |
| Model | SM | T603 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 2545 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2760 mm |
