2009 Kia Forte 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 Kia Forte. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Kia Forte 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 26 more horse power than 2009 Kia Forte. (156 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Forte. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 512 kg more than 2009 Kia Forte. 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Forte. (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Forte. 2012 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Forte has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Forte 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 Kia Forte | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Kia | Buick |
| Model | Forte | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1228 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4529 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1775 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1461 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2649 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.9 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 59 L |
