1989 Lancia Thema vs. 1978 Toyota Corona
To start off, 1989 Lancia Thema is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Toyota Corona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lancia Thema (163 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Corona. (96 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lancia Thema weights approximately 145 kg more than 1978 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Toyota Corona 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 1978 Toyota Corona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Lancia Thema (225 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corona. (163 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1989 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Corona. 1978 Toyota Corona has automatic transmission and 1989 Lancia Thema has manual transmission. 1989 Lancia Thema will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Toyota Corona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lancia Thema | 1978 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Lancia | Toyota |
| Model | Thema | Corona |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2530 mm |
