1987 Lancia Thema vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise 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 2,445 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP) has 117 more horse power than 1987 Lancia Thema. (100 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1987 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lancia Thema weights approximately 474 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, 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, 1987 Lancia Thema (221 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lancia Thema | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Thema | Elise |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2445 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 217 HP |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2299 mm |
