1974 Citroen SM vs. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 35 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 5,409 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 330 more horse power than 1974 Citroen SM. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1974 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Citroen SM weights approximately 478 kg more than 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500.
Because 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 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 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500. 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, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 414 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen SM | 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | SM | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 5409 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 61 L |
