1985 Lancia Thema vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1985 Lancia Thema is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lancia Thema (212 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lancia Thema weights approximately 280 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Lancia Thema (290 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lancia Thema | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Thema | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 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 | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 67 L |
