2006 BMW M3 vs. 1989 Lancia Thema
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lancia Thema. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lancia Thema would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (355 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 237 more horse power than 1989 Lancia Thema. (118 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1989 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1989 Lancia Thema. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 2006 BMW M3 (370 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lancia Thema. (165 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1989 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | M3 | Thema |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
