1988 Lancia Thema vs. 1959 Porsche 356
To start off, 1988 Lancia Thema is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lancia Thema (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lancia Thema weights approximately 492 kg more than 1959 Porsche 356. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Porsche 356 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 1959 Porsche 356. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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 Lancia Thema (184 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1988 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lancia Thema | 1959 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Lancia | Porsche |
| Model | Thema | 356 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.9:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 838 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2110 mm |
