2012 Buick LaCrosse vs. 2009 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Dodge Nitro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Dodge Nitro would be higher. At 2,768 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (175 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 120 kg more than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Because 2009 Dodge Nitro 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, 2009 Dodge Nitro 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, 2009 Dodge Nitro (460 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Buick LaCrosse | 2009 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Buick | Dodge |
| Model | LaCrosse | Nitro |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2400 cc | 2768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5001 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1857 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1504 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2837 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |
