2011 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Volkswagen Passat 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 24 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 570 kg more than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Buick |
| Model | Passat | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2310 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
