2006 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Lancia Thema
To start off, 2012 Lancia Thema is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 2012 Lancia Thema. (292 HP @ 6350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 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 43 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 348 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lancia Thema. (352 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lancia |
| Model | SL | Thema |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5441 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 494 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1828 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 Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 72 L |
