2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1988 Lancia Thema
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lancia Thema. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lancia Thema would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1988 Lancia Thema. (150 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lancia Thema weights approximately 810 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
Because 2000 Caterham 7 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 2000 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema, 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, 1988 Lancia Thema (184 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1988 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1988 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Caterham | Lancia |
| Model | 7 | Thema |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2670 mm |
