2004 Ford Ranger 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 Ford Ranger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Ranger would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (303 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 2004 Ford Ranger. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 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, 2012 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 Buick LaCrosse (358 Nm) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Ranger. (251 Nm). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Ford | Buick |
| Model | Ranger | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| 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 | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 358 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 | 68 L |
