1988 BMW 316 vs. 1986 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1988 BMW 316 is newer by 2 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, 1986 Lancia Thema (165 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 690 kg more than 1986 Lancia Thema.
Because 1988 BMW 316 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 1988 BMW 316. 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 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1986 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 1986 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 316 | Thema |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.6 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |
