2004 Ford Ranger vs. 2011 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2011 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Ranger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Ranger would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Buick LaCrosse (280 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2004 Ford Ranger. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 193 kg more than 2004 Ford Ranger. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Ford Ranger 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 Ford Ranger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Buick LaCrosse (351 Nm) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Ranger. (251 Nm). This means 2011 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Ranger.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Ranger | 2011 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Ford | Buick |
| Model | Ranger | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1642 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 70 L |
