1973 Citroen SM vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1981 Mercury Cougar is newer by 8 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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Citroen SM (171 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen SM weights approximately 94 kg more than 1981 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 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, both vehicles can yield 237 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Citroen SM | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercury |
| Model | SM | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1356 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 |
