1990 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (157 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 395 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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 (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 1990 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1990 Volkswagen Passat 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:
| 1990 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Buick |
| Model | Passat | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.9 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
