1970 Austin 1800 vs. 2012 Lancia Thema
To start off, 2012 Lancia Thema is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Austin 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Austin 1800 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 277 more horse power than 1970 Austin 1800. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1970 Austin 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lancia Thema weights approximately 772 kg more than 1970 Austin 1800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Lancia Thema 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 2012 Lancia Thema. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Austin 1800, 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, 2012 Lancia Thema (534 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 394 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Austin 1800. (140 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Austin 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Austin 1800 | 2012 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Austin | Lancia |
| Model | 1800 | Thema |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 363 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 534 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1962 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5044 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 3053 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 72 L |
