1988 BMW M3 vs. 2001 Lancia Thesis
To start off, 2001 Lancia Thesis is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Lancia Thesis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2001 Lancia Thesis. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Lancia Thesis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Lancia Thesis weights approximately 454 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
Because 1988 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 1988 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Lancia Thesis, 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, 2001 Lancia Thesis (305 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2001 Lancia Thesis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3. 2001 Lancia Thesis has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Lancia Thesis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2001 Lancia Thesis | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | M3 | Thesis |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 234 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 75 L |
