1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Lancia Thema
To start off, 2012 Lancia Thema is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lancia Thema (292 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lancia Thema weights approximately 652 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2012 Lancia Thema (352 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 2012 Lancia Thema has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Lancia Thema will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Lotus | Lancia |
| Model | Esprit | Thema |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1828 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5044 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 3053 mm |
