1973 Citroen SM vs. 2009 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2009 Ford Falcon is newer by 36 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 3,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Falcon (362 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1973 Citroen SM. (171 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Falcon weights approximately 254 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.
Because 2009 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 2009 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, 2009 Ford Falcon (533 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | SM | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 3983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 533 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 92.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1704 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4967 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1868 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1433 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2838 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 68 L |
