1962 BMW 1500 vs. 1988 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1988 Lancia Thema is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 1500 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 105 more horse power than 1962 BMW 1500. (80 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1962 BMW 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lancia Thema weights approximately 242 kg more than 1962 BMW 1500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 BMW 1500 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 1962 BMW 1500. 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 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 BMW 1500. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 BMW 1500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 1500 | 1988 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 1500 | Thema |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 150 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1043 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2670 mm |
