2003 Opel Astra vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Opel Astra 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 8 more horse power than 2003 Opel Astra. (174 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 330 kg more than 2003 Opel Astra. 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, 2003 Opel Astra (251 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. 2012 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 2003 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2003 Opel Astra 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:
| 2003 Opel Astra | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Opel | Buick |
| Model | Astra | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.9 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.9 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 59 L |
