1988 Lancia Thema vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 19 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1988 Lancia Thema. (163 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1988 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lancia Thema weights approximately 70 kg more than 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Because 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (511 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lancia Thema. (225 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lancia Thema. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lancia Thema | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Lancia | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Thema | SLK |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 511 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2440 mm |
