1978 Ford Cortina vs. 1989 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1989 Lancia Thema is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lancia Thema (163 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lancia Thema weights approximately 200 kg more than 1978 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Cortina 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 1978 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Lancia Thema (225 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Cortina | 1989 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Cortina | Thema |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2670 mm |
