1973 Citroen SM vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 26 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 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (226 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1973 Citroen SM. (171 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1973 Citroen SM. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (276 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Citroen SM | 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | Citroen | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | SM | 166 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 72 L |
