2006 Volvo S40 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 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volvo S40 would be higher. At 6,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lancia Thema (465 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 297 more horse power than 2006 Volvo S40. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 2006 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lancia Thema weights approximately 547 kg more than 2006 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Lancia Thema 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 2012 Lancia Thema. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S40, 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, 2012 Lancia Thema (630 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volvo S40. (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volvo S40. 2012 Lancia Thema has automatic transmission and 2006 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 2006 Volvo S40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Lancia Thema will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volvo S40 | 2012 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Volvo | Lancia |
| Model | S40 | Thema |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2435 cc | 6400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 465 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5088 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1478 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3053 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.1 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 72 L |
