1959 BMW 503 vs. 1985 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1985 Lancia Thema is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lancia Thema (212 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1985 Lancia Thema.
Because 1959 BMW 503 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 BMW 503. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Lancia Thema (290 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 503 | 1985 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 503 | Thema |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2927 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 65 L |
