2004 Buick LaCrosse vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Buick LaCrosse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Buick LaCrosse 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 41 more horse power than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (197 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 230 kg more than 2005 Mazda RX-8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mazda RX-8 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 2005 Mazda RX-8. 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 89 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2004 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Buick LaCrosse | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | LaCrosse | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3564 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2680 mm |
