1993 Lancia Thema vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1993 Lancia Thema is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Santana would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Lancia Thema (205 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Lancia Thema weights approximately 305 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 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, 1993 Lancia Thema (298 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1993 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Lancia Thema | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Thema | Santana |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2560 mm |
