2009 Buick LaCrosse vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Buick LaCrosse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Buick LaCrosse would be higher. At 5,325 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Buick LaCrosse (300 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2012 Kia Optima. (200 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 404 kg more than 2012 Kia Optima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Buick LaCrosse (438 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Optima. (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Optima. 2009 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 2012 Kia Optima has manual transmission. 2012 Kia Optima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Buick LaCrosse | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | LaCrosse | Optima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5325 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 438 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1858 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
