1996 BMW 540 vs. 1993 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 3 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1993 Lancia Thema. (116 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1993 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1993 Lancia Thema. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 540 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 540. 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Lancia Thema. (255 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1993 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 540 | Thema |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2670 mm |
