2009 Dodge Caliber vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Dodge Caliber. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Dodge Caliber would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Caliber. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Caliber.
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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Caliber. (220 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Caliber. 2012 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 2009 Dodge Caliber has manual transmission. 2009 Dodge Caliber 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:
| 2009 Dodge Caliber | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Dodge | Buick |
| Model | Caliber | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 59 L |
