2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 496 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2012 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 Volkswagen New Beetle | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Buick |
| Model | New Beetle | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1422 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 | 5100 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1244 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
