1994 BMW 518 vs. 1988 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1994 BMW 518 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lancia Thema. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lancia Thema would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lancia Thema (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1994 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1994 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lancia Thema weights approximately 170 kg more than 1994 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 BMW 518 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 1994 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Lancia Thema (184 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 518 | 1988 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 518 | Thema |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
