1984 Lancia Thema vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lancia Thema (163 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (157 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 45 kg more than 1984 Lancia Thema.
Because 1988 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1984 Lancia Thema. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 (290 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1984 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lancia Thema | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thema | Golf |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
