Citroen SM

vs

Citroen CX

France vs France — 1969 vs 1974

Citroen SM (1969)
Citroen CX (1974)
Specifications
SM InjectionCX GTi Turbo 2
Horsepower180 hp168 hp
Torque171 lb-ft232 lb-ft
Engine Size2,670 cc2,500 cc
0-60 mph8.5 sec7.8 sec
Top Speed142 mph137 mph
¼ Mile16.5 sec16.0 sec
Weight3,021 lbs
Wheelbase2,950 mm2,845 mm
Length4,890 mm4,660 mm
Units Produced12,9201,170,944
Value (Excellent)$130,000$40,000
Collectibility5/107/10
Rarity7/106/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1969 Citroën SM Injection brings higher top speed, greater rarity to the table, and the 1974 Citroën CX GTi Turbo 2 answers with quicker acceleration, stronger collectibility, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

Citroën has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1969 Citroën SM Injection with the 1974 Citroën CX GTi Turbo 2 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1969 Citroën SM Injection producing 180 hp and the 1974 Citroën CX GTi Turbo 2 delivering 168 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Citroën SM uses a V6 DOHC 24V displacing 2,670 cc, while the Citroën CX relies on a Inline-4 OHV Turbocharged with 2,500 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1974 Citroën CX GTi Turbo 2 edges ahead at 7.8 seconds versus 8.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 12,920 units built, the 1969 Citroën SM Injection is considerably scarcer than the Citroën CX's 1,170,944 examples. On the collector market, the 1969 Citroën SM Injection commands a significant premium over the 1974 Citroën CX GTi Turbo 2, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1974 Citroën CX GTi Turbo 2 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.