1990 BMW 850 vs. 1973 Citroen SM
To start off, 1990 BMW 850 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 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1990 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 850 (297 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1973 Citroen SM. (171 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 850 weights approximately 340 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 850 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 850. 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 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 850 | 1973 Citroen SM | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 850 | SM |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 2670 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 297 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 25 L |
