2012 Buick LaCrosse vs. 2009 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 320 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 135 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 359 kg more than 2009 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 320 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 2009 BMW 320. 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 (358 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Buick LaCrosse | 2009 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | LaCrosse | 320 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 303 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 358 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Flex Fuel | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1835 kg | 1476 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5001 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1857 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1504 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2837 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 63 L |
