2003 Volvo V50 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 Volvo V50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volvo V50 would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2003 Volvo V50. (134 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2003 Volvo V50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 302 kg more than 2003 Volvo V50. 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 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volvo V50. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volvo V50.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volvo V50 | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Volvo | Buick |
| Model | V50 | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2521 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1438 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 59 L |
