1989 Lancia Thema vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lancia Thema. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lancia Thema would be higher. At 2,771 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1989 Lancia Thema. (163 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1989 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 112 kg more than 1989 Lancia Thema. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Lancia Thema. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lancia Thema. (225 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lancia Thema. 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2005 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lancia Thema | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thema | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
