1983 BMW 525 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 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,693 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lancia Thema (163 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1983 BMW 525. (123 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lancia Thema weights approximately 60 kg more than 1983 BMW 525. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 BMW 525 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 525. 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, 1983 BMW 525 (241 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lancia Thema. (225 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 525 | 1989 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 525 | Thema |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2693 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2670 mm |
