1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1988 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1988 Lancia Thema is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 850 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 (118 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lancia Thema weights approximately 645 kg more than 1959 Abarth 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 850 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 1959 Abarth 850. 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 (166 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1988 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1988 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Abarth | Lancia |
| Model | 850 | Thema |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 65 L |
