1987 Ford Sierra vs. 2011 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2011 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Buick LaCrosse (280 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1987 Ford Sierra. (66 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 665 kg more than 1987 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Ford Sierra 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 1987 Ford Sierra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Buick LaCrosse (351 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Sierra. (142 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Sierra. 2011 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 1987 Ford Sierra has manual transmission. 1987 Ford Sierra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Sierra | 2011 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Ford | Buick |
| Model | Sierra | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2837 mm |
