1996 BMW 535 vs. 2003 Lancia Thesis
To start off, 2003 Lancia Thesis is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 535. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 535 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 535 (235 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2003 Lancia Thesis. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2003 Lancia Thesis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lancia Thesis weights approximately 210 kg more than 1996 BMW 535.
Because 1996 BMW 535 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 1996 BMW 535. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Lancia Thesis, 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, 1996 BMW 535 (320 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lancia Thesis. (306 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lancia Thesis. 2003 Lancia Thesis has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 535 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 535 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Lancia Thesis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 535 | 2003 Lancia Thesis | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 535 | Thesis |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 78 mm |
| Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
