1988 Lancia Thema vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lancia Thema. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lancia Thema would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lancia Thema (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 230 kg more than 1988 Lancia Thema.
Because 1997 Mercedes-Benz E 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lancia Thema. (184 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lancia Thema | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thema | E |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.9:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
