1974 Citroen SM vs. 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1974 Citroen SM is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,670 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Citroen SM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Citroen SM (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Citroen SM weights approximately 150 kg more than 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1974 Citroen SM (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL. (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1974 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen SM | 1967 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SM | SL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1967 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 2306 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 65 L |
