2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 18 more horse power than 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (164 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 445 kg more than 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara. 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 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Suzuki | Buick |
| Model | Grand Vitara | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2393 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 59 L |
