1973 Citroen SM vs. 2002 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2002 Lotus Esprit is newer by 29 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 3,504 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1973 Citroen SM. (171 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen SM weights approximately 110 kg more than 2002 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2002 Lotus Esprit 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 2002 Lotus Esprit. 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, 2002 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Citroen SM | 2002 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Citroen | Lotus |
Model | SM | Esprit |
Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 2670 cc | 3504 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 171 HP | 350 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 237 Nm | 400 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 83 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1340 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4380 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1160 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2430 mm |