2005 Buick LaCrosse vs. 2011 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Buick LaCrosse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Buick LaCrosse would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2005 Buick LaCrosse. (238 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 2005 Buick LaCrosse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 506 kg more than 2005 Buick LaCrosse. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 Nissan Pathfinder. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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 Nissan Pathfinder (390 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Buick LaCrosse. (311 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Buick LaCrosse | 2011 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | LaCrosse | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3564 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 2121 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4884 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1834 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 80 L |
