1973 Citroen SM vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Citroen SM. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Citroen SM would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Citroen SM (171 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 20 kg more than 1973 Citroen SM.
Because 1978 Pontiac Firebird 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 1978 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Citroen SM | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Citroen | Pontiac |
Model | SM | Firebird |
Year Released | 1973 | 1978 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2670 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 171 HP | 125 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Torque | 237 Nm | 332 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1470 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2750 mm |