1988 Lancia Thema vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 18 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 (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 149 kg more than 1988 Lancia Thema.
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, 1988 Lancia Thema (184 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1988 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle has automatic transmission and 1988 Lancia Thema has manual transmission. 1988 Lancia Thema will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lancia Thema | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thema | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.9:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 11.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1399 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
