1973 Citroen SM vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 is newer by 39 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (500 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 329 more horse power than 1973 Citroen SM. (171 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen SM weights approximately 90 kg more than 2012 Porsche 911.
Because 2012 Porsche 911 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 2012 Porsche 911. 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, 2012 Porsche 911 (459 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Citroen SM | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Citroen | Porsche |
| Model | SM | 911 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4491 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2355 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 67 L |
