2012 Buick LaCrosse vs. 1981 Ford Granada
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Granada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Granada would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Granada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 415 kg more than 1981 Ford Granada. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Granada 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 1981 Ford Granada. 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 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Buick LaCrosse | 1981 Ford Granada | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | LaCrosse | Granada |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2400 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5001 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1857 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1504 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2837 mm | 2780 mm |
