1998 BMW 318 vs. 2002 Lancia Thesis
To start off, 2002 Lancia Thesis is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Lancia Thesis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lancia Thesis (185 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lancia Thesis should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lancia Thesis weights approximately 385 kg more than 1998 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 318 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 1998 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Lancia Thesis (305 Nm) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm). This means 2002 Lancia Thesis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 2002 Lancia Thesis has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Lancia Thesis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2002 Lancia Thesis | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 318 | Thesis |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 75.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2600 mm |
