1988 Lancia Thema vs. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1988 Lancia Thema is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lancia Thema (185 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 505 kg more than 1988 Lancia Thema.
Because 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. 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, 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (373 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lancia Thema. (320 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lancia Thema. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 1988 Lancia Thema has manual transmission. 1988 Lancia Thema will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lancia Thema | 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Lancia | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Thema | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 5610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 3030 mm |
