2003 Buick Rainier vs. 2002 Pontiac Vibe
To start off, 2003 Buick Rainier is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Pontiac Vibe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Pontiac Vibe would be higher. At 4,195 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Buick Rainier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Buick Rainier (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Vibe. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Buick Rainier should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Vibe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Buick Rainier weights approximately 753 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Vibe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Buick Rainier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Pontiac Vibe. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Buick Rainier 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, 2003 Buick Rainier (373 Nm) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Vibe. (175 Nm). This means 2003 Buick Rainier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Pontiac Vibe. 2003 Buick Rainier has automatic transmission and 2002 Pontiac Vibe has manual transmission. 2002 Pontiac Vibe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Buick Rainier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Buick Rainier | 2002 Pontiac Vibe | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Rainier | Vibe |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2100 kg | 1347 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 76 L |
