1979 Dodge Mirada vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,209 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (303 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1979 Dodge Mirada. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1979 Dodge Mirada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 135 kg more than 1979 Dodge Mirada. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Dodge Mirada 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 1979 Dodge Mirada. 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (358 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Dodge Mirada. (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Dodge Mirada.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Mirada | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Dodge | Buick |
| Model | Mirada | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5209 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2837 mm |
