2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1985 Lancia Thema
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lancia Thema. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lancia Thema would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1985 Lancia Thema. (118 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1985 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lancia Thema weights approximately 725 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
Because 2003 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 2003 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lancia Thema. (165 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1985 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Caterham | Lancia |
| Model | 7 | Thema |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 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 |
