2009 Nissan Pathfinder 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 Nissan Pathfinder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Nissan Pathfinder would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (182 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 298 kg more than 2009 Nissan Pathfinder.
Because 2009 Nissan Pathfinder 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 Nissan Pathfinder. 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, 2009 Nissan Pathfinder (391 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Pathfinder | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Nissan | Buick |
| Model | Pathfinder | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 266 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 391 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 59 L |
