2002 Pontiac Sunfire 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 Pontiac Sunfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Pontiac Sunfire 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 34 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 540 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. 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) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. (203 Nm). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Pontiac Sunfire | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Pontiac | Buick |
| Model | Sunfire | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2837 mm |
