Honda Accord vs Toyota Camry
Honda and Toyota – these two Japanese car makers have stamped their name in just about every country in the world because of their efficient and reliable cars. The two vehicles being compared here – the Accord and the Camry – are what can be considered as the flagship brands of these car companies. Both have front-wheel drives, the same midsize family sedan-type bodies, and quite relatively the same target market.
For years these two cars have been trying to surpass each other in the sedan segment and each time out it seems as if the Accord always comes out on top. Here we will take another look at what the new iterations of these models have to offer to the road going public.
We start out with the base models for both brands for both these cars offer the same 4 cylinder engines but with different prices. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the Accord LX is at $21,765 and what you will be getting is a 2.4L inline-4 which is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox and produces 177 horsepower at 6,500 RPM. This thrifty engine has a fuel economy of 26 miles per gallon for both city and highway driving combined.
The Toyota Camry on the other hand comes out at $20,145 and for this you’ll have a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox which produces a respectable 169HP @6,000 RPM. But unlike its counterpart, the Camry scores a little bit better in the fuel economy department with a slightly higher average of 26 miles to the gallon.
Now, both sedans offer 4-wheel anti-lock braking systems on ventilated disc brakes as standard equipment. But in terms of curb weight, the Accord LX comes out in a slightly trim 3230 lbs. compared to the Camry’s 3263 lbs. although this can’t be felt much when you are riding on 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 215/60 All-Season tires.
One must remember though that all those numbers are for the entry-level models only for both car manufacturers. Things get a bit more upscale, more competitive and pricier as you go up the different trim levels. The Accord offers three different trim levels namely the base LX, the upgraded EX, and the top of the line EX-L which offers premium features such as leather upholstery and optional navigation system.
For the Toyota Camry, there are four traditional trim levels offered: the base Camry featured here, the popularly equipped LE, the sporty SE, and the luxurious XLE.
Whatever model, manufacturer, price or trim level a consumer would eventually end up buying, they can drive with the assurance that both these name brands have never failed to put the word ‘reliability’ in each of their flagship models.
But if you are one who is in search for that added extra value for your money, here’s a parting shot. For all features that are listed as ‘standard’ or ‘optional’ for both the base Accord and Camry, only the Camry offers an outside temperature gauge. Whatever that will get you.