2004 Alpina Roadster vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Alpina Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Alpina Roadster would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alpina Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alpina Roadster (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (182 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alpina Roadster should accelerate faster than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 120 kg more than 2004 Alpina Roadster.
Because 2004 Alpina Roadster is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 Alpina Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2004 Alpina Roadster (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2004 Alpina Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. 2012 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 2004 Alpina Roadster has manual transmission. 2004 Alpina Roadster 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:
| 2004 Alpina Roadster | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Alpina | Buick |
| Model | Roadster | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
