Performance Review: Citroen SM 2.7L V6 - [1970]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Citroen SM Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Citroen SM 2.7L V6 is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1970. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1970 Monteverdi Hai 450 SS and the 1970 Iso Grifo Can-Am 7.4 V8.This particular Citroen SM has a 2670cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 6 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V6's includes the 2014 Radical RXC 3.5 V6 Twin Turbo

The SM shares its Petrol V6 engine configuration with the likes of the 2014 Radical RXC 3.5 V6 Twin Turbo and the 2015 Radical RXC Turbo 500 3.5 V6. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the SM's Front Wheel Drive, Coupe combination then how about the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Golf R Performance 2.0 Turbo or the 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD 3.5 V6.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1450 kgs (3196 lbs) this makes the Citroen SM 2.7L V6 in the same weight category as the 2023 Lotus Emira First Edition i4 2.0 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Citroen SM shares the same bhp with the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (148 bhp)

In terms of power the 2670cc 12V V6 engine produces 168 bhp (125 kW) @ 5500 rpm similar to the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (148 bhp) or the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (177 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V6 throws out 170 lb-ft (230.4 Nm) @ 4000 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (162 lb-ft) or the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (184 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Citroen SM you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2010 Peugeot 308 1.6 GTi (140.8 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Citroen SM.

The Citroen SM has a Power to weight ratio of 115.8 bhp per ton and 117.2 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1970 SM competing with the 2010 Peugeot 308 1.6 GTi (140.8 bhp per ton) or the 2016 Maserati Quattroporte 3.0 V6 Turbo Diesel (140.7 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Citroen SM generating around 117.2 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1997 Volkswagen-VW Golf 2.8 VR6 4MOTION (142.0 lb-ft per ton) or the 1988 Nissan 200SX S13 1.8T (141.7 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 8.80 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 9.1 secs, this made the Citroen SM 2.7L V6 as fast as the 2013 Vauxhall-Opel Zafira Tourer CDTi BiTurbo (8.80 secs) the the 2002 Toyota Camry 3.0 V6 (8.80 secs) the or the 2000 Mitsubishi FTO 2.0 GPX (8.80 secs). This Citroen SM 2.7L V6 is also faster than the 2008 Audi A4 1.8T Avant (8.90 secs) the 2005 Suzuki Swift 1.6 VVT Sport (8.90 secs) the 2000 Vauxhall-Opel Omega 3.2 V6 Automatic (8.90 secs) the and the 1990 Volvo 940 2.3 Turbo (8.90 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the SM and the 2014 Peugeot 308 GT 1.6 Turbo

When talking about the performance of the Citroen SM on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 16.46 secs @ 83.1 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2014 Peugeot 308 GT 1.6 Turbo (16.38 secs), the 2017 Dodge Charger SXT AWD 3.7 V6 (16.38 secs), and the 2001 Jaguar X Type 3.0 V6 Sport (16.39 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1970 version of the Citroen SM 2.7L V6 has a maximum speed of 135mph.

Top Speed of the 1970 SM equals the 2020 Audi A1 Sportback 40 TFSI S tronic S line (146 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1970 Citroen SM 2.7L V6 then how about the 2020 Audi A1 Sportback 40 TFSI S tronic S line (146 mph), the 2018 Alfa-Romeo Giulia Ti 2.0 Turbo (146 mph), or the 2018 Alfa-Romeo Giulia Q4 2.0L Turbo (146 mph).

Related Links:

1970 SM Rivals List.

A Brief History of Citroen

Car Comparison