1988 Lancia Thema vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 25 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (296 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1988 Lancia Thema. (185 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1988 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 335 kg more than 1988 Lancia Thema. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 2013 BMW 3 Series. 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lancia Thema. (320 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lancia Thema | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Lancia | BMW |
| Model | Thema | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.3 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1375 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2760 mm |
