2004 Buick LaCrosse vs. 1998 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2004 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 3,564 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Buick LaCrosse (238 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1998 Nissan Laurel. (153 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1998 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 225 kg more than 1998 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Nissan Laurel 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 1998 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 Buick LaCrosse (311 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Nissan Laurel. (190 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2004 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Buick LaCrosse | 1998 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | LaCrosse | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3564 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2730 mm |
