1998 Kia Retona vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Kia Retona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Kia Retona 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 92 more horse power than 1998 Kia Retona. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1998 Kia Retona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Kia Retona weights approximately 130 kg more than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Because 1998 Kia Retona 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, 1998 Kia Retona 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 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Kia Retona. (205 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Kia Retona. 2012 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 1998 Kia Retona has manual transmission. 1998 Kia Retona 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:
| 1998 Kia Retona | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Kia | Buick |
| Model | Retona | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| 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 | 1870 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2837 mm |
