2002 Ford Explorer vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse

To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,947 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Explorer (212 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (182 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Explorer weights approximately 270 kg more than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2002 Ford Explorer 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, 2002 Ford Explorer 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, 2002 Ford Explorer (390 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. 2012 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Explorer has manual transmission. 2002 Ford Explorer 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:

2002 Ford Explorer 2012 Buick LaCrosse
Make Ford Buick
Model Explorer LaCrosse
Year Released 2002 2012
Body Type SUV Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4947 cc 2400 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 212 HP 182 HP
Engine RPM 4200 RPM 6700 RPM
Torque 390 Nm 233 Nm
Torque RPM 3300 RPM 4900 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type 4WD Front
Transmission Type Manual 6-speed shiftable automatic
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 2010 kg 1740 kg
Vehicle Length 4850 mm 5001 mm
Vehicle Width 1790 mm 1857 mm
Vehicle Height 1730 mm 1504 mm
Wheelbase Size 2840 mm 2837 mm