1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire vs. 1989 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1989 Lancia Thema is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire would be higher. At 2,307 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lancia Thema (163 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. (85 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire weights approximately 50 kg more than 1989 Lancia Thema.
Because 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 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 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Lancia Thema, 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, 1989 Lancia Thema (225 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. (160 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1989 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire | 1989 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Armstrong Siddeley | Lancia |
| Model | Sapphire | Thema |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2670 mm |
