1968 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 Lancia Thema
To start off, 2012 Lancia Thema is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lancia Thema (363 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 345 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lancia Thema weights approximately 1452 kg more than 1968 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Lancia Thema (534 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 507 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500. 2012 Lancia Thema has automatic transmission and 1968 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1968 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Lancia Thema will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 2012 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 500 | Thema |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 363 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 534 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1962 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 5044 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 3053 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 72 L |
