1988 BMW 525 vs. 1989 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1989 Lancia Thema is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1989 Lancia Thema. (118 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1989 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1989 Lancia Thema. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1988 BMW 525 (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lancia Thema. (165 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 1989 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 525 | Thema |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
