1989 Lancia Thema vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lancia Thema is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1989 Lancia Thema. (118 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1989 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lancia Thema weights approximately 148 kg more than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1987 Lotus Esprit 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lancia Thema. (165 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lancia Thema | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Thema | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 31 L |
