1997 Cadillac Catera vs. 1973 Citroen SM
To start off, 1997 Cadillac Catera is newer by 24 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 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1973 Citroen SM. (171 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 255 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 1997 Cadillac Catera 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 1997 Cadillac Catera. 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, 1997 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Cadillac Catera | 1973 Citroen SM | |
| Make | Cadillac | Citroen |
| Model | Catera | SM |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2670 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 25 L |
