1988 Lancia Thema vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 16 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 (163 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lancia Thema weights approximately 66 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (315 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lancia Thema. (225 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lancia Thema | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thema | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
