1987 Lancia Thema vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 18 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 375 more horse power than 1987 Lancia Thema. (118 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1987 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 825 kg more than 1987 Lancia Thema. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 635 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lancia Thema. (165 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lancia Thema. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1987 Lancia Thema has manual transmission. 1987 Lancia Thema will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lancia Thema | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thema | SL |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
