1988 Lancia Thema vs. 1979 Reliant SE6
To start off, 1988 Lancia Thema is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Reliant SE6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Reliant SE6 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Reliant SE6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lancia Thema (163 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1979 Reliant SE6. (133 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1979 Reliant SE6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lancia Thema weights approximately 60 kg more than 1979 Reliant SE6. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Reliant SE6 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 1979 Reliant SE6. 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, 1979 Reliant SE6 (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lancia Thema. (225 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Reliant SE6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lancia Thema | 1979 Reliant SE6 | |
| Make | Lancia | Reliant |
| Model | Thema | SE6 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2650 mm |
