1993 Lancia Thema vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Lancia Thema. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Lancia Thema would be higher. At 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1993 Lancia Thema. (116 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1993 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Lancia Thema weights approximately 270 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 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, 1993 Lancia Thema (255 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (169 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1993 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Lancia Thema | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lancia | Mazda |
| Model | Thema | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2270 mm |
