2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Lancia Thema
To start off, 2012 Lancia Thema is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 HP @ 2650 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 2012 Lancia Thema. (363 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lancia Thema weights approximately 7 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lancia Thema. (534 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lancia |
| Model | SL | Thema |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 469 HP | 363 HP |
| Engine RPM | 2650 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 534 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1962 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5044 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3053 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 72 L |
