2003 Buick Rainier vs. 2012 Ford S-Max
To start off, 2012 Ford S-Max is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Buick Rainier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Buick Rainier 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 143 more horse power than 2012 Ford S-Max. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Buick Rainier should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford S-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Buick Rainier weights approximately 357 kg more than 2012 Ford S-Max. 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 2012 Ford S-Max. 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 @ 3600 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford S-Max. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2003 Buick Rainier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford S-Max. 2003 Buick Rainier has automatic transmission and 2012 Ford S-Max has manual transmission. 2012 Ford S-Max 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 | 2012 Ford S-Max | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Rainier | S-Max |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 102 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2100 kg | 1743 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 70 L |
