2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Lancia Thema
To start off, 2012 Lancia Thema is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lancia Thema (292 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (282 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lancia Thema weights approximately 343 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3. 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, 2008 Mazda 3, 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 Mazda 3 (576 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lancia Thema. (352 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lancia Thema. 2012 Lancia Thema has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 3 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:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2012 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Mazda | Lancia |
| Model | 3 | Thema |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 576 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1828 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5044 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3053 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 72 L |
