1973 Citroen SM vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1980 Mercury Cougar is newer by 7 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 4,184 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Citroen SM (171 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen SM weights approximately 40 kg more than 1980 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Mercury Cougar 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 1980 Mercury Cougar. 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, 1980 Mercury Cougar (264 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Citroen SM | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Citroen | Mercury |
Model | SM | Cougar |
Year Released | 1973 | 1980 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2670 cc | 4184 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 171 HP | 116 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Torque | 237 Nm | 264 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1410 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2690 mm |