1996 BMW 730 vs. 1988 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1996 BMW 730 is newer by 8 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 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 730 (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1988 Lancia Thema. (163 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 730 weights approximately 436 kg more than 1988 Lancia Thema. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 730 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 730. 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, 1996 BMW 730 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lancia Thema. (225 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 730 | 1988 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 730 | Thema |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2670 mm |
