1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (303 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Because 1981 Ford Mustang 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 1981 Ford Mustang. 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 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang. 2012 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Mustang 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:
1981 Ford Mustang | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
Make | Ford | Buick |
Model | Mustang | LaCrosse |
Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2294 cc | 3600 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 87 HP | 303 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 358 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5001 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1857 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1504 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2837 mm |