1988 Lancia Thema vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 14 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 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lancia Thema (185 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (167 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 290 kg more than 1988 Lancia Thema.
Because 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 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 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lancia Thema | 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thema | CLK |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 68.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.3 seconds | 9.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2720 mm |
