1970 Fiat 500 vs. 1988 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1988 Lancia Thema is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 500 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 167 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lancia Thema weights approximately 775 kg more than 1970 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Fiat 500. 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 293 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1988 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 1988 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 500 | Thema |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| 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 | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2670 mm |
