1987 Lancia Thema vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 25 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 296 more horse power than 1987 Lancia Thema. (118 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 440 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 2012 BMW M3 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 BMW M3. 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lancia Thema. (165 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lancia Thema | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Lancia | BMW |
| Model | Thema | M3 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 63 L |
