Lancia Fulvia

vs

Lancia Thema

Italy vs Italy — 1969 vs 1986

Lancia Fulvia (1969)
Lancia Thema (1986)
Specifications
Fulvia HF 1600Thema 8.32
Horsepower132 hp215 hp
Torque116 lb-ft209 lb-ft
Engine Size1,584 cc2,927 cc
0-60 mph9.0 sec6.8 sec
Top Speed118 mph149 mph
¼ Mile16.8 sec15.0 sec
Weight2,072 lbs3,175 lbs
Wheelbase2,330 mm2,660 mm
Length3,920 mm4,590 mm
Units Produced6,4193,370
Original MSRP$4,800
Value (Excellent)$80,000$60,000
Collectibility8/107/10
Rarity7/107/10
The Verdict

Numbers favor the 1986 Lancia Thema 8.32 with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1969 Lancia Fulvia HF 1600 offers lighter weight, stronger collectibility, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.

Overview

Lancia has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1969 Lancia Fulvia HF 1600 with the 1986 Lancia Thema 8.32 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1986 Lancia Thema 8.32 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 215 hp compared to 132 hp, a 83-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lancia Fulvia uses a V4 DOHC displacing 1,584 cc, while the Lancia Thema relies on a V8 DOHC (Ferrari) with 2,927 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1986 Lancia Thema 8.32 edges ahead at 6.8 seconds versus 9.0 seconds. The Lancia Fulvia carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1103 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.