1974 Citroen SM vs. 2007 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 33 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 50 more horse power than 2007 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 2007 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Citroen SM weights approximately 569 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Lotus Elise 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 2007 Lotus Elise. 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 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen SM | 2007 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Citroen | Lotus |
| Model | SM | Elise |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 32 L |
