1974 Citroen SM vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, both 1974 Citroen SM and 1974 Lotus Elite were released in the same year (1974). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 28 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Citroen SM weights approximately 390 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Lotus Elite 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 1974 Lotus Elite. 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 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1974 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen SM | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | SM | Elite |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 67 L |
