1988 Lancia Thema vs. 2001 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2001 Lotus Elise is newer by 13 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, 1988 Lancia Thema (185 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lancia Thema weights approximately 535 kg more than 2001 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 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 (320 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lancia Thema | 2001 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Thema | Elise |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 199 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2310 mm |
