2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1988 Lancia Thema
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 21 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 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1988 Lancia Thema. (118 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1988 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lancia Thema weights approximately 249 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 2009 Ford Explorer 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 2009 Ford Explorer. 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, 2009 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lancia Thema. (166 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lancia Thema. 2009 Ford Explorer 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. 2009 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1988 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Explorer | Thema |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 65 L |
