1998 BMW 330 vs. 2003 Lancia Thesis
To start off, 2003 Lancia Thesis is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 330 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lancia Thesis (182 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1998 BMW 330. (181 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lancia Thesis should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lancia Thesis weights approximately 100 kg more than 1998 BMW 330. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 330 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 330. 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, 1998 BMW 330 (390 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lancia Thesis. (305 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lancia Thesis.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 330 | 2003 Lancia Thesis | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 330 | Thesis |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 75.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 75 L |
