1970 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 25 kg more than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Chevrolet Impala 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 1970 Chevrolet Impala. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 1970 Chevrolet Impala (251 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1970 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. 2012 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 1970 Chevrolet Impala has manual transmission. 1970 Chevrolet Impala will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Chevrolet Impala | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Buick |
| Model | Impala | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2837 mm |
