1956 Ford Consul vs. 1988 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1988 Lancia Thema is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Consul would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lancia Thema (185 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1956 Ford Consul. (47 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lancia Thema weights approximately 196 kg more than 1956 Ford Consul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Ford Consul 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 Ford Consul. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Lancia Thema (320 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Consul. (124 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1988 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Consul.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Consul | 1988 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Consul | Thema |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1703 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 128 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1089 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2670 mm |
