2000 Buick LaCrosse vs. 2002 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Buick LaCrosse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Buick LaCrosse would be higher. At 4,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Buick LaCrosse (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2002 Mazda RX-8. (238 HP @ 8200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 216 kg more than 2002 Mazda RX-8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Mazda RX-8 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 2002 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Buick LaCrosse (392 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2000 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda RX-8. 2000 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Buick LaCrosse | 2002 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | LaCrosse | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4200 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1554 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2710 mm |
