1973 Citroen SM vs. 1973 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, both 1973 Citroen SM and 1973 Sunbeam Alpine were released in the same year (1973). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 100 more horse power than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen SM weights approximately 436 kg more than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Sunbeam Alpine 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 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. 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 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Citroen SM | 1973 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Citroen | Sunbeam |
| Model | SM | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1973 |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1014 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2510 mm |
