1989 Lancia Thema 8.32 3.0 V6

Summary:

A small Ferrari on the streets

Faults:

The timing belt needs to be changed on time to prevent it from breaking (at approximately 35,000 miles).

It's important to be aware that engine overheating is a concern. Luckily, mine never broke down, but because it's a high-revving engine, it tends to heat up very quickly. You have to drive it with extreme caution.

The 8.32 engine made by Ferrari cannot tolerate being idle for too long, in addition to requiring constant and very expensive maintenance.

Frequent oil loss after 40,000 miles.

Rust is not a problem, but the windshields and sills tend to rust, even though the overall quality of the sheet metal is good.

General Comments:

Not many 8.32s have been made, and to be honest, it's not a car for everyone. It requires a lot of maintenance, more than the Thema 2.0, and it consumes a lot of fuel (you'll see if you accelerate hard).

Even so, it's a dream car, one of those you'll never forget. Needless to say, it's the car I've liked the most and the one I enjoyed the most in the almost 15 years I owned it.

Turning to the car's description itself, the adjustable suspension seems like a real panacea for solving the typical dilemma of choosing between stability and comfort. With the ability to adjust the damper stiffness, we can achieve both, if not simultaneously, then at least when the situation demands it. With good suspension geometry and appropriate settings, a successful compromise can be achieved without resorting to a complex and expensive system. It stands out for its good stability, superior to that of similar cars that achieve similar power.

The 8.32 not only boasts excellent stability, but also brakes flawlessly. Its braking system is very generous, featuring four discs, the front ones ventilated. Power is more than enough, and it's difficult to push them to the limit; the feel is very good, allowing for precise modulation of braking. Finally, thanks to the standard ABS, braking power poses no problem even for less experienced drivers. The standard power steering offers good feel at high speeds and sufficient lightness at low speeds. Its main drawback is the poor steering wheel position, which is too horizontal.

Performance is the strong point of this Thema Ferrari. With 215 hp and a suitable transmission, there's always considerable acceleration under your right foot. Overtaking is lightning-fast without needing to shift gears; when you do, it's explosive. The gear changes aren't particularly good or bad, but their ratios and final drive are perfect. With a top speed approaching 150 mph and acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in under seven seconds, the performance in this case speaks for itself.

Its spaciousness and, in this case, its equipment are excellent, providing a high level of comfort. The climate control is very effective, although the automatic system is somewhat difficult to regulate. It goes from cold to excessively hot and vice versa. The trunk is cavernous and doesn't suffer from the slight loss of capacity caused by the recess for the retractable spoiler.

The Ferrari V8 engine accelerates brilliantly, its sound (without being too loud) is instantly captivating; however, fuel consumption is not its strong point, but a car like this is not designed to consume little but to have power, and to mix comfort with sportiness, which it achieves.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 3rd February, 2026

10th Feb 2026, 21:45

Nice review, this is a rare car, especially on UK streets.

1990 Lancia Thema 16v Turbo SE 2.0 16v turbo

Summary:

A fine balance of performance and comfort. Nice to have something different!

Faults:

Head gasket went at 125,000 miles.

Water radiator disintegrated at 140,000 miles.

Minor electrical problems.

General Comments:

My second Thema Turbo and still going strong after 10 years of ownership. For a big car its great to drive and much faster than anyone expects.

Interior is well equipped and comfortable even compared to much more modern cars.

Expensive on insurance (group 17) and heavy on fuel depending on how you drive it. Also eats front tyres, brake pad and discs if used hard... but worth every penny.

Very underrated car and excellent value/performance for your money, but not worth much to sell unfortunately!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th March, 2007

29th Jul 2010, 10:52

I agree! What a car!! I had one for years, and really miss the comfort, power and size. Fuel consumption definitely could be high, especially when motoring hard.

I left Maranello (yes, that one) at 1pm one Monday in my 2.0 SE 20 years ago. Heading to Milan and then up the length of Switzerland and finally, across the top of France, we stopped to pick up some wine at a supermarket and for a meal on a motorway as well as at toll booths and for comfort stops along the way.

We arrived in Calais at 2am - thirteen hours and 1300 km later, safe, sound and much, much poorer at 14 MPG!! Boy, what a drive, 140+ MPH, the petrol gauge dropping like a stone, scenery flashing by, no speed cameras and the Italian Police treating you like Royalty (these were after all, the car of choice of Mafia heads).

Would I be irresponsible enough to do the same now? Of course I would, just give me the Thema to do it in!

Come back to the UK Lancia, all is forgiven!!!