1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1986 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lancia Thema. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lancia Thema would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1986 Lancia Thema. (120 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1986 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1986 Lancia Thema. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lancia Thema. (165 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lancia Thema. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1986 Lancia Thema has manual transmission. 1986 Lancia Thema will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1986 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lancia |
| Model | 156 | Thema |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 9.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2670 mm |
