2009 Ford Ranger 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 Ford Ranger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Ford Ranger 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 39 more horse power than 2009 Ford Ranger. (143 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 774 kg more than 2009 Ford Ranger. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Ford Ranger 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 2009 Ford Ranger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Ranger. (209 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Ranger. 2012 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Ranger has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Ranger 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 Ford Ranger | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Ford | Buick |
| Model | Ranger | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 59 L |
