1969 Fiat 500 vs. 1987 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1987 Lancia Thema is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lancia Thema (118 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1969 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1969 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lancia Thema weights approximately 705 kg more than 1969 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Fiat 500 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 1969 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1987 Lancia Thema (165 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1987 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Fiat 500 | 1987 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 500 | Thema |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 65 L |
