2004 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1974 Citroen SM
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Citroen SM. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Citroen SM would be higher. At 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (400 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1974 Citroen SM. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1974 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 127 kg more than 1974 Citroen SM. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Chevrolet Corvette 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 2004 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (543 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Corvette | 1974 Citroen SM | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Citroen |
| Model | Corvette | SM |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5970 cc | 2670 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 543 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1577 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 25 L |
