1984 Lancia Thema vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 5 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1984 Lancia Thema. (163 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1984 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 179 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 1989 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 1989 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lancia Thema. (290 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lancia Thema | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Thema | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 31 L |
