1998 Toyota Starlet 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 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Toyota Starlet 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 108 more horse power than 1998 Toyota Starlet. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 990 kg more than 1998 Toyota Starlet. 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 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota Starlet. (101 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota Starlet. 2012 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 1998 Toyota Starlet has manual transmission. 1998 Toyota Starlet 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 Toyota Starlet | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Toyota | Buick |
| Model | Starlet | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1332 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 101 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 |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3750 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1504 mm |
