1986 Lancia Thema vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 26 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, 2012 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1986 Lancia Thema. (165 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 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 238 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Because 2012 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 2012 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 (285 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1986 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lancia Thema | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Thema | Elise |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2299 mm |
