Italy vs Italy — 1953 vs 1986
| Aurelia B24 Spider | Thema 8.32 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 118 hp | 215 hp |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | 209 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,451 cc | 2,927 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 12.0 sec | 6.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 149 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.0 sec | 15.0 sec |
| Weight | 2,381 lbs | 3,175 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,450 mm | 2,660 mm |
| Length | 4,370 mm | 4,590 mm |
| Units Produced | 761 | 3,370 |
| Original MSRP | $5,500 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $600,000 | $60,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1953 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider brings lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1986 Lancia Thema 8.32 answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Lancia has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1953 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider 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 118 hp, a 97-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lancia Aurelia uses a V6 OHV displacing 2,451 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 12.0 seconds. The Lancia Aurelia carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 794 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 761 units built, the 1953 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider is considerably scarcer than the Lancia Thema's 3,370 examples. On the collector market, the 1953 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider commands a significant premium over the 1986 Lancia Thema 8.32, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1953 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.