2012 Buick LaCrosse vs. 1981 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Corolla 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 114 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 855 kg more than 1981 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla. 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 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (105 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Buick LaCrosse | 1981 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Buick | Toyota |
| Model | LaCrosse | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2400 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3600 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 |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5001 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1857 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1504 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2837 mm | 2410 mm |
