1986 Lancia Thema vs. 2007 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lancia Thema. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lancia Thema would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1986 Lancia Thema. (150 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1986 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Lancia Thema weights approximately 268 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Because 2007 Lotus Elise 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 2007 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1986 Lancia Thema (240 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1986 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise. 1986 Lancia Thema has automatic transmission and 2007 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2007 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Lancia Thema will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lancia Thema | 2007 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Thema | Elise |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2849 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1164 kg | 896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2310 mm |
