2004 BMW 525 vs. 1988 Lancia Thema
To start off, 2004 BMW 525 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 525 (189 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1988 Lancia Thema. (163 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 454 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 BMW 525 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 2004 BMW 525. 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, 2004 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lancia Thema. (225 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lancia Thema. 2004 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1988 Lancia Thema has manual transmission. 1988 Lancia Thema will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 525 | 1988 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 525 | Thema |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1764 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2670 mm |
