1989 Lancia Thema vs. 2010 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2010 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 21 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1989 Lancia Thema. (118 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1989 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 196 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 2010 Mazda RX-8 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 2010 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lancia Thema. (165 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lancia Thema. 2010 Mazda RX-8 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. 2010 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lancia Thema | 2010 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mazda |
| Model | Thema | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 64 L |
