2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1989 Lancia Thema
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lancia Thema. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lancia Thema would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1989 Lancia Thema. (118 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1989 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lancia Thema weights approximately 755 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, 1989 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, 2000 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lancia Thema. (165 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1989 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Caterham | Lancia |
| Model | 7 | Thema |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2710 mm |
