1973 Citroen SM vs. 1971 Lancia Stratos
To start off, 1973 Citroen SM is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lancia Stratos. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lancia Stratos 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 59 more horse power than 1971 Lancia Stratos. (112 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1971 Lancia Stratos. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen SM weights approximately 470 kg more than 1971 Lancia Stratos. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Lancia Stratos 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 1971 Lancia Stratos. 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 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lancia Stratos. (153 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1973 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lancia Stratos.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Citroen SM | 1971 Lancia Stratos | |
| Make | Citroen | Lancia |
| Model | SM | Stratos |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 3680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2170 mm |
