1988 Lancia Thema vs. 1997 Morgan Plus 4
To start off, 1997 Morgan Plus 4 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Morgan Plus 4 (137 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1988 Lancia Thema. (118 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Morgan Plus 4 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lancia Thema weights approximately 295 kg more than 1997 Morgan Plus 4.
Because 1997 Morgan Plus 4 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 Morgan Plus 4. 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 Morgan Plus 4 (177 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lancia Thema. (166 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1997 Morgan Plus 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lancia Thema | 1997 Morgan Plus 4 | |
| Make | Lancia | Morgan |
| Model | Thema | Plus 4 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2500 mm |
