1990 BMW 525 vs. 1973 Citroen SM
To start off, 1990 BMW 525 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Citroen SM. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Citroen SM would be higher. At 2,670 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Citroen SM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 525 (185 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1973 Citroen SM. (171 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 525 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1973 Citroen SM. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 525 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 1990 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1990 BMW 525 (240 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 525 | 1973 Citroen SM | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 525 | SM |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2670 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2960 mm |
