1974 Citroen SM vs. 1989 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1989 Nissan Laurel is newer by 15 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 80 more horse power than 1989 Nissan Laurel. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1989 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Citroen SM weights approximately 280 kg more than 1989 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Nissan Laurel 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 1989 Nissan Laurel. 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 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Nissan Laurel. (142 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1974 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen SM | 1989 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Citroen | Nissan |
| Model | SM | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 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 | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2680 mm |
