1988 Lancia Thema vs. 1978 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 1988 Lancia Thema is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Starlet 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 (163 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lancia Thema weights approximately 535 kg more than 1978 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Toyota Starlet 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 Toyota Starlet. 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 (225 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lancia Thema | 1978 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Lancia | Toyota |
| Model | Thema | Starlet |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2310 mm |
