BMW 3.0 CSL (1971 – 1975) vs Citroën SM (1970 – 1975): specs compared
The BMW 3.0 CSL is the more powerful of the two, with up to 205 hp against 190 hp. It is quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 6.9 s against 8.9 s. The Citroën SM has the higher top speed: 229 km/h against 222 km/h. The BMW 3.0 CSL uses less fuel, from 10.9 L/100 km against 11.2 L/100 km. It is the lighter car, from 1,165 kg against 1,450 kg. At 4,892 mm, the Citroën SM is 262 mm longer than the BMW 3.0 CSL.
| Specification |
BMW
3.0 CSL
1971 – 1975
|
Citroën
SM
1970 – 1975
|
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Origin | Germany | France |
| Documented years | 1971 – 1975 | 1970 – 1975 |
| Body style | — | — |
| Variants | 3 | 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Drive | RWD | FWD |
| Gearbox | Manual | Automatic · Manual |
| Performance | ||
| Power | 180 – 205 hp | 181 – 190 hp |
| Torque | 255 – 286 Nm | 233 – 249 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 6.9 – 7.3 s | 8.9 – 10.7 s |
| Top speed | 212 – 222 km/h | 204 – 229 km/h |
| Economy | ||
| Fuel economy | 10.9 – 11.2 L/100 km | 11.2 – 13.5 L/100 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,630 mm | 4,892 mm |
| Width | 1,811 mm | 1,836 mm |
| Height | 1,369 mm | 1,323 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,624 mm | 2,949 mm |
| Curb weight | 1,165 – 1,250 kg | 1,450 – 1,480 kg |
Ranges cover all variants of each car. The highlight marks the best version per row.