1998 Buick Signia vs. 1971 Citroen SM
To start off, 1998 Buick Signia is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Citroen SM. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Citroen SM would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Signia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Buick Signia (238 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1971 Citroen SM. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick Signia should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Signia weights approximately 290 kg more than 1971 Citroen SM. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Signia (387 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen SM. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Signia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen SM. 1998 Buick Signia has automatic transmission and 1971 Citroen SM has manual transmission. 1971 Citroen SM will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Buick Signia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Signia | 1971 Citroen SM | |
| Make | Buick | Citroen |
| Model | Signia | SM |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 2670 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2950 mm |
