2012 Buick LaCrosse vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (303 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 604 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 (358 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (201 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Buick LaCrosse | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LaCrosse | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 303 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 358 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Flex Fuel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5001 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1857 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1504 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2837 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
