2005 BMW M3 vs. 2002 Lancia Thesis
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lancia Thesis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lancia Thesis would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (323 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 2002 Lancia Thesis. (185 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Lancia Thesis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 5 kg more than 2002 Lancia Thesis. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 BMW M3 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 2005 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2005 BMW M3 (372 Nm) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lancia Thesis. (305 Nm). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lancia Thesis. 2002 Lancia Thesis has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Lancia Thesis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 2002 Lancia Thesis | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | M3 | Thesis |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 233 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2600 mm |
