Performance Review: Lancia Thema 2.9 V8 8.32 - [1986]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Lancia Thema Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Lancia Thema 2.9 V8 8.32 is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1986. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1987 Porsche 959 Turbo and the 1987 Ferrari F40 2.9 V8.This particular Lancia Thema has a 2927cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The Thema shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Thema's Front Wheel Drive, Saloon combination then how about the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Golf R Performance 2.0 Turbo or the 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD 3.5 V6.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1400 kgs (3086 lbs) this makes the Lancia Thema 2.9 V8 8.32 in the same weight category as the 2022 Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica 5.2 V10 or the give or take 50kg.

The Lancia Thema shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp)

In terms of power the 2927cc 32V V8 engine produces 215 bhp (160 kW) @ 6750 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp) or the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (225 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 210 lb-ft (284.7 Nm) @ 4500 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2020 McLaren Sabre 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo (206 lb-ft) or the 2019 Peugeot 508 PureTech 225 GT S and S (221 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Lancia Thema you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2011 KIA Optima 2.0 Turbo (178.5 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Lancia Thema.

The Lancia Thema has a Power to weight ratio of 153.5 bhp per ton and 150.0 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1986 Thema competing with the 2011 KIA Optima 2.0 Turbo (178.5 bhp per ton) or the 1998 Honda NSX 3.0 V6 Auto (178.3 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Lancia Thema generating around 150.0 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1999 Audi A8 4.2 V8 Quattro (175.0 lb-ft per ton) or the 1996 Subaru Impreza WRX - Classic JDM Wagon (175.0 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.80 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 7.0 secs, this made the Lancia Thema 2.9 V8 8.32 as fast as the 2017 Dodge Charger SXT AWD 3.7 V6 (6.80 secs) the 2015 Renault Megane Energy TCe 205 GT 1.6 Turbo (6.80 secs) the 2012 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Countrman (6.80 secs) the or the 2010 Volkswagen-VW Scirocco 2.0 TSI DSG (6.80 secs). This Lancia Thema 2.9 V8 8.32 is also faster than the 2015 Audi TT 1.8 TFSI Coupe (6.90 secs) the 2013 Land-Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0 V6 Supercharged (6.90 secs) the 2012 Ford Fiesta ST 1.6 Turbo (6.90 secs) the and the 2009 Ford Fiesta ST185 (6.90 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Thema and the 2009 BMW Z4 35i sDrive 2d

When talking about the performance of the Lancia Thema on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.99 secs @ 91.3 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2009 BMW Z4 35i sDrive 2d (14.92 secs), the 2007 Mazda 3 MPS 2.3T (14.92 secs), and the 2013 BMW X5 M50d 3.0 Diesel Turbo (14.92 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1986 version of the Lancia Thema 2.9 V8 8.32 has a maximum speed of 139mph.

Top Speed of the 1986 Thema equals the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (150 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1986 Lancia Thema 2.9 V8 8.32 then how about the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (150 mph), the 2020 Lotus Exige Sport 410 Roadster 3.5 V6 (150 mph), or the 2017 Land-Rover Velar 3.0 SDV6 300 (150 mph).

Related Links:

1986 Thema Rivals List.

A Brief History of Lancia

Car Comparison