2008 Buick LaCrosse vs. 1997 Kia Retona
To start off, 2008 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Kia Retona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Kia Retona would be higher. At 3,801 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Buick LaCrosse (200 HP) has 110 more horse power than 1997 Kia Retona. (90 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1997 Kia Retona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 76 kg more than 1997 Kia Retona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Kia Retona is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Buick LaCrosse. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Kia Retona 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, 2008 Buick LaCrosse (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Kia Retona. (206 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Kia Retona. 2008 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 1997 Kia Retona has manual transmission. 1997 Kia Retona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Buick LaCrosse | 1997 Kia Retona | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | LaCrosse | Retona |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3801 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 90 HP |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1946 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2370 mm |
