1983 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Lancia Thema
To start off, 2012 Lancia Thema is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 6,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lancia Thema (465 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 311 more horse power than 1983 Mercedes-Benz S. (154 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1983 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lancia Thema weights approximately 420 kg more than 1983 Mercedes-Benz S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Lancia Thema (630 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 407 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Mercedes-Benz S. 2012 Lancia Thema has automatic transmission and 1983 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1983 Mercedes-Benz S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Lancia Thema will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lancia |
| Model | S | Thema |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 6400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 465 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5088 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1478 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3053 mm |
