2004 Buick LaCrosse vs. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 8 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2004 Buick LaCrosse. (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 2004 Buick LaCrosse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 536 kg more than 2004 Buick LaCrosse. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 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 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. 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, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (390 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Buick LaCrosse. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Buick LaCrosse | 2012 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | LaCrosse | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 2121 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4884 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1834 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
