The Citroën SM and Alfa Montreal are two automotive pieces of proof that the 1970s weren’t the disaster everyone says. But which one is best?
Once in a while, a car appears with such a potent blend of technology and splendour that anyone with a pulse can’t help but walk its way. During the first half of the decade that ‘taste forgot’, two such cars appeared to appeal towards the wallets of those not crippled by bell-bottomed super inflation. The Citroën SM and the Alfa Romeo Montreal.
Today, things are different. Potential owners, now that these vehicles can be grasped on a budget unlikely to make congress wince, are frightened off by complex design - but it is their loss, as both promise and deliver so much greatness they are worthy of knighthood.
But which one should you look to home? Time to find out.
The Design
You may feel that the Alfa Montreal appears to look like a concept car, and that’s because it kinda was. In fact, the car was christened after the motorshow during which it appeared - the 1967 Universal Exposition in Montreal. Popularity was so intense, Alfa had little option but to fast track it into production.
It’s difficult not to fall head over heels for the Montreal, with various touches and details - from the curved door windows to the Kamm tail and unique eyelids veiling the double-barrelled headlamps - that capture your heartstrings and play them like André Rieu.
However, while the Montreal is beautiful, the Citroën takes your attention and won’t let it go. You could easily spend an entire week examining its intricate features and wacky interior, and while its design won’t appeal to everyone, it certainly appeals to us. For example, what other car do you know of where the lights and licence plate are entombed in a glass display?
Picking between the two is tricky, as the Alfa’s interior oozes quality and offers supreme comfort while outside it resembles a Greek goddess in full blown heat, while the Citroën provides sleek lines, deep side windows and innovation to take your breath away.
We are going with the Citroën.
The Drive
The SM corners in a fashion befitting cars much more expensive, wafting around corners smoothly with ultra-direct steering. It can catch newbies unawares, with only two turns lock-to-lock providing steering so responsive we could call it Norman Bates. The Montreal isn’t exactly lumbering but it does feel heavier, with a bit of play in between locks, too. The Alfa does have a trump card, as unlike the SM it feels predictable - there is something just a little bit too Jacques Mesrine about the Citroën’s handling.
Despite looking ultimately slower than an Alfa supercar, the Citroën keeps pace with remarkable effortlessness. Top speed of the Alfa Romeo Montreal is 137 mph, with the SM only a mile an hour slower. There is only one second in between the two during a 0-60mph sprint and only 30bhp difference in total.
For sheer pluckiness, we want to go with the Citroën, but for the power round the Montreal is the undoubted winner.
The Verdict
For wow factor, the SM beats all. For power, handling and beauty - the Montreal is king. However, do you want something to enjoy, or something to love?
If you are looking for love, the Citroën SM is pure gold. It’s also just as enjoyable to drive - if not more so - than the Alfa, with bags of charm into the bargain.
For us, the Citroën SM deserves not just your garage space, but also to be crowned the victor of this battle.