2012 Buick LaCrosse vs. 1988 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1988 Ford Fairlane. (138 HP @ 3750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 110 kg more than 1988 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Ford Fairlane 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 1988 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1988 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Buick LaCrosse | 1988 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | LaCrosse | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2400 cc | 4089 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5001 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1857 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1504 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2837 mm | 2950 mm |
