1988 Lancia Thema vs. 2008 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 20 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 2 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lancia Thema weights approximately 86 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Polo (221 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lancia Thema. (184 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lancia Thema | 2008 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thema | Polo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1164 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2470 mm |
