2008 BMW X3 vs. 1988 Lancia Thema
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lancia Thema. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lancia Thema would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW X3 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1988 Lancia Thema. (163 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 455 kg more than 1988 Lancia Thema. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW X3 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 2008 BMW X3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 2008 BMW X3 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lancia Thema. (225 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lancia Thema. 2008 BMW X3 has automatic transmission and 1988 Lancia Thema has manual transmission. 1988 Lancia Thema will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X3 | 1988 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | X3 | Thema |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2670 mm |
