1997 Mercedes-Benz C 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 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (303 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 425 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz C. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Mercedes-Benz C 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz C. 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 (358 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz C. (171 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Buick |
| Model | C | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 68 L |
