1974 Citroen SM vs. 1986 Ferrari Testarossa
To start off, 1986 Ferrari Testarossa is newer by 12 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 4,943 cc (12 cylinders), 1986 Ferrari Testarossa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ferrari Testarossa (385 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1974 Citroen SM. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ferrari Testarossa should accelerate faster than 1974 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ferrari Testarossa weights approximately 135 kg more than 1974 Citroen SM. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Ferrari Testarossa 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 1986 Ferrari Testarossa. 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, 1986 Ferrari Testarossa (500 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Ferrari Testarossa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen SM | 1986 Ferrari Testarossa | |
| Make | Citroen | Ferrari |
| Model | SM | Testarossa |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 4943 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| 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 | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2560 mm |
