1995 BMW M3 vs. 1973 Citroen SM
To start off, 1995 BMW M3 is newer by 22 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 2,988 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW M3 (282 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1973 Citroen SM. (171 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW M3 weights approximately 15 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 1995 BMW M3 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 1995 BMW M3. 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, 1995 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1995 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW M3 | 1973 Citroen SM | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | M3 | SM |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2988 cc | 2670 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 25 L |
