Car enthusiasts clearly love the Toyota Camry for its combination of relatively affordable cost and high reliability, which have turned this business-class car into a perennial sales leader. For a long time, it simply had no direct competitors. However, there is a first time for everything. Another Japanese firm made its own very similar model. Will the Accord be able to compete with the new legend on equal terms? Time will show. However, up to that it is possible to try to compare these Japanese according to all possible indicators. So, Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, which is better?
Comparison of specifications
The comparison will be made on the basis of basic technical characteristics. In order to make it correct, similar modifications will be taken: Honda with the power unit of 2.4 liter with 180 horsepower and 228 Nm of torque, working together with 5-speed automatic transmission, and Toyota with the engine of 2.5 liter with 181 hp and 231 Nm of torque, coupled with 6-speed automatic gearbox. The fuel tanks do not differ much. The Accord has 66 liters, the Camry has 70 liters. The Toyota's luggage compartment is bigger by 10 liters and is 505 liters, while the Honda's is 495 liters. As for weight, the Accord is 50 kg lighter. Its curb weight is 1490 kg, and the Camry has 1540 kg.
The Camry is shorter than the Accord by 4 cm and has a length of 4850 mm. The Honda's length is 4,890 mm. Its height is 1 cm more. Wheelbases are the same. Ground clearance of the Toyota is more by 1.5 cm. Wheel sizes do not differ and are 215/55 R17. Combined consumption of the Camry is half a liter less. The cars are really very similar to each other in their technical characteristics.
Engines and transmission
Honda Accord denotes two options for power units: a 4-cylinder engine with a capacity of 2.4 liters, developing 180 horsepower and a 6-cylinder engine with a capacity of 3.5 liters of 280 hp. Only Sport version with the first engine variant is equipped with manual transmission, all other variants have automatic transmission.
The Toyota Camry has a bigger set of engines. The car can be equipped with a 2-liter engine of 150 hp, a power unit of 2.5-liter capacity developing 181 hp and a flagship "engine" of 3.5-liter capacity and 250 hp. Thus, the last power-unit is much more tractive, than 280 hp Honda's engine. All Toyota models are equipped only with automatic transmission, a little bit slow, but very reliable.
It is necessary to note, that for such car the 2-liter engine, to put it mildly, is weak. In some modes it simply does not cope with its duties. Other Toyota motors are similar to Honda's, but in terms of dynamics they are inferior to them. Proceeding from it, 2-liter Camry can be recommended only to quiet pensioners who are afraid of pressing the gas pedal once more.
The answer to the question, what are the differences between motors of Accord and Camry, will be more complete after finding out how much they are tractive and economical. Obviously, both models have a small range of engines. By removing the weakest engine, you can see that the more powerful powertrains show, strangely enough, similar dynamics at the claimed performance. As already mentioned, the top-end motor of the Camry is slightly sharper (by 0.1 second).
When comparing the basic engines, it turns out that there is no clear winner here. Although, the Honda engine accelerates to a hundred by 0.4 seconds slower than the Toyota one. Economy of engines is also approximately identical: Accord has 10,9 liters in a city mode, and Camry has 11 liters. On the highway, Toyota is more economical by the same 100 ml and consumes 5.9 liters per 100 kilometers. In Honda this indicator is equal to 6 liters. In mixed mode, the difference does not change, the Camry - 7.8 liters, the Accord - 7.9 liters.
Regarding the Toyota Camry automatic transmission, we can say that it is a little thoughtful. The Honda 5-speed automatic is sharper, has more confident start and acceleration. While Honda has a manual transmission in equipment, fans of "to drive" can be quiet. In addition, the Camry does not have very adequate brakes: at high speed, in order to brake, you will have to press the pedal very hard. All base engines can run on 92 gasoline. If you fill up the cars with 95, the base Honda unit becomes more productive than the Toyota's.
Ride, handling and steering characteristics
After the restyling, the Accord's front suspension became softer. At the same time, the steering wheel, which has an electric booster, began to behave extremely correctly, clearly confirming to car owners the higher status of the car. The car practically does not bend in twisting turns. If it starts to lose grip, it happens very smoothly and allows even an inexperienced driver to react in time and take action.
The Camry, on the other hand, is not so good in this respect. Here even too steep turn will make the car owner nervous. This car needs to be "piloted" very accurately - the car does not like sharp movements. When it moves in a straight line, but the road surface is not ideal, the rear passengers will experience some discomfort, despite the fact that the suspension of the Camry is considered soft. The car does not hold the trajectory very well. If there are longitudinal bumps, it is likely to go off it. So, it is better not to relax to the driver of Camry at high speed. Apparently, this car is positioned by the manufacturer for calm driving. Accord is distinguished by dynamism and drive; it has sportier suspension and clear handling.
By the way, this Toyota has failed American safety test. The dummy in the driver's seat was especially bad there. The Honda Accord showed quite "level" results.
Comparison of packages and prices
Prices for the Camry have risen in proportion to all other new cars on the Russian market. Now for the most affordable version of the Camry, which is called "Standard", with a 2-liter power unit and a 5-band automatic transmission will have to pay 26200 dollars. Other equipment in this model is pretty decent: 2-zone climate system, 16-inch alloy, heated front seats, all-around visibility and parktronic, and a decent audio system. For extra thousand you can buy "Standard Plus", where there is a cruise control, light sensors, rain sensor and other options. The next "Classic" kitting is with leather upholstery and electric adjustment of front seats. For it one has to pay another thousand, and if you take it with a 2.5-liter engine, another 110 thousand. It costs from 30500 dollars. The flagship modification (Executive Safety) will cost 41500 dollars. In this set the car will have all possible options, starting with a 3.5-liter engine and finishing with electronic assistants on the road.
Appearance, dimensions.
Both selected cars belong to the 9th generation. Any other car couldn't even dream of such a fate, and could be a good reason for the automaker to be proud of himself. For these two cars, it is nothing but a natural evolution, due to which the cars were constantly changing, becoming more and more perfect. Though, the exterior of modern Camry can by no means be called a top of creative thought. However, it seems that in this case Toyota designers didn't intend to create a futuristic car. If only because it could be risky from the point of view of sales. They have gone further on the well-trodden road, perfectly understanding what the consumer wants. He wants: a huge beautiful sedan without any pretentious decorative elements. The body of Toyota is distinguished by strict lines and absence of any excesses. It is correct and good in its own way. However, on the other hand, few people today will look at a passing Camry. So, Camry, and Camry, so what?
The Honda model was like that two generations ago. Now it's a completely different car. Its laconic forms have become obsolete. The sides are decorated with diagonal stamps, which attract attention and make the silhouette of Japanese sedan slender and modern. The hood became more voluminous, the stern became more recognizable because of interesting location of rear lights and the appearance of two muffler spigots. In short, this Honda has become much more interesting having received dimensions, wheelbase and assortment of power units similar to its competitor. So, in terms of exterior, the Accord definitely wins.
Interior and trunk
In the cabin, the general trends remain the same. Toyota's interior is just a comfortable workplace of a driver without special design extravagances. There is an overabundance of plastic "under wood", which someone from designers seems to promote with manic persistence. When it is combined with usual plastic, there is a firm impression that Camry is continuation of an office, but not a car. The arrangement of control buttons takes some time to get used to, but it is remembered quickly. Atypically arranged central console deserves attention. The dashboard is executed in a classical style, but all devices are well readable. You can choose from two design options - dark and light.
Funny, but the interior of Accord is even more spartan. Here too there is plastic "under wood", but its execution in two-color scale looks solid enough. Thus, the front panel doesn't look especially elegant. The central console differs from other models only cascade arrangement. At first it is able to attract attention. On the other hand, the finishing materials used in the interior are of high quality. It all looks very impressive, but in terms of functionality, somewhat questionable. The use of two-color screens on the central console is a rather non-trivial decision. You get used to it rather quickly, as well as to the delayed touch screen of Toyota. Honda's upper screen shows useful information, while the lower one is the multimedia control.
The visibility in both Japanese sedans is quite good. However, the Accord has a built-in camera in the right mirror, which improves orientation in the traffic flow. From the minuses of Honda, it is possible to note opening of a lid of a luggage compartment only from the salon. Some people may not like it. There is no alternative. In addition, the Honda trunk is uncomfortable, as it is severely narrowed at the front where it meets the back seat.
Toyota's luggage compartment is cleverer. Although it is only 10 liters more, it seems that its capacity is much greater. However, there are also disadvantages - the hinges on the luggage compartment lid are too voluminous. If the luggage compartment is packed too tightly, they can damage the luggage. You have to keep that in mind. The back of the Toyota can't be transformed. There's only a small window where one or two pairs of skis can fit through. Accord is better with it - the back of a sofa can be tilted. Thus, the control lever is located in a luggage rack, not in interior. Nevertheless, it is not wide here too. Both pluses and minuses of interiors of cars are balanced as a whole. Therefore, there is no clear favorite in the comparison in this indicator.
Which is the better choice? (pros and cons of one and the other)
To summarize the comparison, we can say that the Accord of the 9th generation is the fate of people who are active, who love a fast ride, which is put above comfort. Certainly, it is at rather high level here. Honda surpasses its competitor in terms of safety. When the tenth generation arrives, it will probably generate even more interest from car enthusiasts, especially if the price tag on the car gets closer to the cost of the competitor.
Camry is worth buying for people who like to travel on the road with maximum comfort. The active safety systems here are quite decent. But the passive one is not so good, as the American test showed. The car is designated for the fans of leisurely driving who don't like fast changes, fast passing the turns and so on. Exactly about it the sales of this car in the market testify. Whichever, the car does not attract more attention, Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, a comparison on the main characteristics will help to better assess both Japanese sedans from the point of view of the motorist.
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