1974 Citroen SM vs. 1974 Opel Rekord
To start off, both 1974 Citroen SM and 1974 Opel Rekord 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 104 more horse power than 1974 Opel Rekord. (66 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1974 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Citroen SM weights approximately 385 kg more than 1974 Opel Rekord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Opel Rekord 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 Opel Rekord. 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 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Opel Rekord. (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen SM | 1974 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Citroen | Opel |
| Model | SM | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 1698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2680 mm |
