1986 Lancia Thema vs. 2007 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2007 Lotus Exige 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1986 Lancia Thema. (118 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1986 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Lancia Thema weights approximately 340 kg more than 2007 Lotus Exige.
Because 2007 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 2007 Lotus Exige. 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, 2007 Lotus Exige (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lancia Thema. (165 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lancia Thema | 2007 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Thema | Exige |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| 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 | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 40 L |
