1989 Lancia Thema vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 23 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1989 Lancia Thema. (118 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1989 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 165 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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 Volkswagen Beetle (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lancia Thema. (165 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lancia Thema. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 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. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lancia Thema | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thema | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
