2003 Lancia Thesis vs. 1978 ZIL 117
To start off, 2003 Lancia Thesis is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 ZIL 117. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 ZIL 117 would be higher. At 6,958 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 ZIL 117 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 ZIL 117 (296 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2003 Lancia Thesis. (169 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 ZIL 117 should accelerate faster than 2003 Lancia Thesis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 ZIL 117 weights approximately 1270 kg more than 2003 Lancia Thesis. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 ZIL 117 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 1978 ZIL 117. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Lancia Thesis, 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, 1978 ZIL 117 (570 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 344 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lancia Thesis. (226 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 ZIL 117 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lancia Thesis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lancia Thesis | 1978 ZIL 117 | |
| Make | Lancia | ZIL |
| Model | Thesis | 117 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 6958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 2950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 5730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2080 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 3310 mm |
