2003 BMW 320 vs. 1988 Lancia Thema

To start off, 2003 BMW 320 is newer by 15 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. Both 2003 BMW 320 and 1988 Lancia Thema are equipped with a 1,995 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lancia Thema (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2003 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 320 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1988 Lancia Thema.

Because 2003 BMW 320 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 2003 BMW 320. 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, 2003 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lancia Thema. (184 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lancia Thema.

Compare all specifications:

2003 BMW 320 1988 Lancia Thema
Make BMW Lancia
Model 320 Thema
Year Released 2003 1988
Body Type Convertible Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1995 cc 1995 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 148 HP 150 HP
Engine RPM 5900 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 210 Nm 184 Nm
Torque RPM 3750 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 84 mm 84 mm
Engine Stroke Size 90 mm 90 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.0:1 9.9:1
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1465 kg 1250 kg
Vehicle Length 4490 mm 4600 mm
Vehicle Width 1760 mm 1760 mm
Vehicle Height 1380 mm 1440 mm
Wheelbase Size 2730 mm 2670 mm