2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1988 Lancia Thema
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 16 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. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1988 Lancia Thema. (118 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1988 Lancia Thema. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Lancia Thema. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lancia Thema. (166 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1988 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lancia |
| Model | 156 | Thema |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
