1972 Fiat 124 vs. 1985 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1985 Lancia Thema is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lancia Thema (118 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 124. (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lancia Thema weights approximately 249 kg more than 1972 Fiat 124. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Fiat 124 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 1972 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Lancia Thema (165 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 124. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 124 | 1985 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 124 | Thema |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 65 L |
