1998 Lancia Kappa vs. 2012 Lancia Thema
To start off, 2012 Lancia Thema is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lancia Kappa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lancia Kappa would be higher. At 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lancia Thema (363 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1998 Lancia Kappa. (202 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1998 Lancia Kappa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lancia Thema weights approximately 412 kg more than 1998 Lancia Kappa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Lancia Thema 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 2012 Lancia Thema. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Lancia Kappa, 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, 2012 Lancia Thema (534 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lancia Kappa. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lancia Kappa. 2012 Lancia Thema has automatic transmission and 1998 Lancia Kappa has manual transmission. 1998 Lancia Kappa will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Lancia Thema will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lancia Kappa | 2012 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Lancia | Lancia |
| Model | Kappa | Thema |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 363 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 534 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1962 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 5044 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3053 mm |
