1997 Jeep Wrangler vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Jeep Wrangler. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Jeep Wrangler would be higher. At 2,464 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Jeep Wrangler is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. (116 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 310 kg more than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Jeep Wrangler 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, 1997 Jeep Wrangler 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 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. (185 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. 2012 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 1997 Jeep Wrangler has manual transmission. 1997 Jeep Wrangler 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:
| 1997 Jeep Wrangler | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Jeep | Buick |
| Model | Wrangler | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2464 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 59 L |
