1987 Lancia Thema vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lancia Thema. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lancia Thema would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1987 Lancia Thema. (118 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1987 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lancia Thema weights approximately 67 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1989 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lancia Thema. (165 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lancia Thema | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Thema | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| 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 | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
