1983 BMW 316 vs. 1989 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1989 Lancia Thema is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lancia Thema (163 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1983 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lancia Thema weights approximately 320 kg more than 1983 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 BMW 316 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 1983 BMW 316. 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 316. 1983 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1989 Lancia Thema has manual transmission. 1989 Lancia Thema will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 316 | 1989 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 316 | Thema |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1765 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2670 mm |
