1974 Rover 3.5 vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Rover 3.5 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1974 Rover 3.5. (149 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1974 Rover 3.5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 102 kg more than 1974 Rover 3.5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Rover 3.5 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 1974 Rover 3.5. 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, 1974 Rover 3.5 (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1974 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Rover 3.5 | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Rover | Buick |
| Model | 3.5 | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3532 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 276 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1638 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2837 mm |
