2001 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 310 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. 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, 2001 Pontiac Grand Am (278 Nm) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm). This means 2001 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Grand Am | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Pontiac | Buick |
| Model | Grand Am | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2837 mm |
