1984 Lancia Thema vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 28 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1984 Lancia Thema. (119 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1984 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lancia Thema weights approximately 273 kg more than 2012 Lotus Exige.
Because 2012 Lotus Exige 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 2012 Lotus Exige. 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, 2012 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lancia Thema. (165 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lancia Thema | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Thema | Exige |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5500 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 | 1215 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 44 L |
