1985 Lancia Thema vs. 1999 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1999 Lotus Esprit is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lancia Thema. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lancia Thema would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Esprit (349 HP) has 137 more horse power than 1985 Lancia Thema. (212 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1985 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lancia Thema weights approximately 725 kg more than 1999 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1999 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 1999 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, 1999 Lotus Esprit (351 Nm) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lancia Thema. (290 Nm). This means 1999 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lancia Thema | 1999 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Thema | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 349 HP |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 351 Nm |
| 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 | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2310 mm |
