2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Lancia Thema
To start off, 2012 Lancia Thema is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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 88 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lancia Thema weights approximately 67 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. 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 @ 4200 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (401 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lancia |
| Model | S | Thema |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4266 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 363 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 534 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1895 kg | 1962 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5044 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 3053 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 72 L |
