1978 Lancia Stratos vs. 1986 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1986 Lancia Thema is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Stratos. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Stratos would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Stratos (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1986 Lancia Thema. (150 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Stratos should accelerate faster than 1986 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Lancia Thema weights approximately 184 kg more than 1978 Lancia Stratos.
Because 1978 Lancia Stratos 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 Lancia Stratos. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1986 Lancia Thema (240 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Stratos. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Stratos. 1986 Lancia Thema has automatic transmission and 1978 Lancia Stratos has manual transmission. 1978 Lancia Stratos will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Lancia Thema will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Stratos | 1986 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Lancia | Lancia |
| Model | Stratos | Thema |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2419 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1164 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2670 mm |
