1996 Toyota Carina vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Carina 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 77 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Carina. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 594 kg more than 1996 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Carina. (136 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Carina. 2012 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 1996 Toyota Carina has manual transmission. 1996 Toyota Carina 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:
| 1996 Toyota Carina | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Toyota | Buick |
| Model | Carina | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1146 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1504 mm |
