1988 Lancia Thema vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 10 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1988 Lancia Thema. (163 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1988 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lancia Thema weights approximately 596 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 Lotus Elise 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 1998 Lotus Elise. 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 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 1988 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lancia Thema | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Thema | Elise |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2310 mm |
