2004 Fiat Panda 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 Fiat Panda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Fiat Panda would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2004 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2004 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 880 kg more than 2004 Fiat Panda. 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, 2004 Fiat Panda (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2004 Fiat Panda 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 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 2004 Fiat Panda 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 Fiat Panda | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Fiat | Buick |
| Model | Panda | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 59 L |
