2011 Lexus IS vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Lexus IS would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (416 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (182 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 25 kg more than 2011 Lexus IS.
Because 2011 Lexus IS 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 2011 Lexus IS. 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, 2011 Lexus IS (502 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Lexus IS | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Lexus | Buick |
| Model | IS | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5000 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 416 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 502 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4661 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1816 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1415 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2728 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 59 L |
