1974 Citroen SM vs. 1978 Ford Escort
To start off, 1978 Ford Escort is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Citroen SM. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Citroen SM 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 125 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Citroen SM weights approximately 575 kg more than 1978 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Escort 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 1978 Ford Escort. 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 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen SM | 1978 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | SM | Escort |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2410 mm |
