2009 Kia Optima 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 Optima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Kia Optima would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (303 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2009 Kia Optima. (194 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Optima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 316 kg more than 2009 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (358 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Optima. (250 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Optima | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Kia | Buick |
| Model | Optima | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2656 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.6 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.9 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 68 L |
