1973 Citroen SM vs. 1988 Ford Falcon
To start off, 1988 Ford Falcon is newer by 15 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 3,949 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Citroen SM (171 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1988 Ford Falcon. (161 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen SM weights approximately 20 kg more than 1988 Ford Falcon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Ford Falcon 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 1988 Ford Falcon. 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, 1988 Ford Falcon (311 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Citroen SM | 1988 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | SM | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 3949 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2800 mm |
