1984 Lancia Thema vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lancia Thema. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lancia Thema would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1984 Lancia Thema. (148 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1984 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 16 kg more than 1984 Lancia Thema. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Lotus Esprit 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1984 Lancia Thema (240 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1984 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lancia Thema | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Thema | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2849 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2440 mm |
