1999 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Lancia Thema
To start off, 2012 Lancia Thema is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 540 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 81 more horse power than 1999 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lancia Thema weights approximately 191 kg more than 1999 BMW 540. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2012 Lancia Thema (534 Nm) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 540. (439 Nm). This means 2012 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 540. 2012 Lancia Thema has automatic transmission and 1999 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1999 BMW 540 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:
| 1999 BMW 540 | 2012 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 540 | Thema |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 363 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 439 Nm | 534 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1771 kg | 1962 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5044 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3053 mm |
