2006 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (248 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (182 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 146 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. 2012 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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:
| 2006 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Buick |
| Model | Golf | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3189 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 248 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1594 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 59 L |
