1974 BMW 3 vs. 2004 Lancia Thesis
To start off, 2004 Lancia Thesis is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2004 Lancia Thesis. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Lancia Thesis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lancia Thesis weights approximately 247 kg more than 1974 BMW 3.
Because 1974 BMW 3 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 1974 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Lancia Thesis, 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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lancia Thesis. (226 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lancia Thesis.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 2004 Lancia Thesis | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 3 | Thesis |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2450 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2810 mm |
