1974 Citroen SM vs. 1981 Toyota Century
To start off, 1981 Toyota Century is newer by 7 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 3,376 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Citroen SM (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Century. (168 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Century weights approximately 355 kg more than 1974 Citroen SM.
Because 1981 Toyota Century 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 1981 Toyota Century. 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, 1981 Toyota Century (270 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen SM | 1981 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Citroen | Toyota |
| Model | SM | Century |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 3376 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2870 mm |
