1998 Buick Century vs. 1972 Citroen SM
To start off, 1998 Buick Century is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Citroen SM. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Citroen SM would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Citroen SM (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1998 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1998 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Century weights approximately 70 kg more than 1972 Citroen SM.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Century | 1972 Citroen SM | |
| Make | Buick | Citroen |
| Model | Century | SM |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2669 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 25 L |
