1992 Volvo 850 vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Volvo 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Volvo 850 would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 1992 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1992 Volvo 850. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1992 Volvo 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 410 kg more than 1992 Volvo 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1992 Volvo 850 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 1992 Volvo 850. 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 (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Volvo 850. (221 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Volvo 850. 2012 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 1992 Volvo 850 has manual transmission. 1992 Volvo 850 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:
| 1992 Volvo 850 | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Volvo | Buick |
| Model | 850 | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2435 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 59 L |
