1988 BMW 520 vs. 1987 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 1 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lancia Thema (164 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1987 Lancia Thema.
Because 1988 BMW 520 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 520. 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 (225 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 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. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1987 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 520 | Thema |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
