2012 Buick LaCrosse vs. 2003 Saturn L
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Saturn L. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Saturn L 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 47 more horse power than 2003 Saturn L. (135 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2003 Saturn L. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 420 kg more than 2003 Saturn L. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Saturn L. (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Saturn L.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Buick LaCrosse | 2003 Saturn L | |
| Make | Buick | Saturn |
| Model | LaCrosse | L |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2400 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5001 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1857 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1504 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2837 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 59 L |
