Because of my recent enhanced upderstanding of the safety features listed below, and how my '05 Accord LX doesn't have them ...
Traction Control Stability Control Emergency Braking Assistance Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
(newer Honda LXs have ...) Rear disks DRL
I decided to take a hard look at the Camry LE, versus what I'd have to buy from Honda to get the features above. I already knew I couldn't get the features in any LX / Special Edition / Special Value models with a stick, and because I like a manual transmission, I'd have to go up to the the EX with V6 and 6M.
Aside from power and handling, the Accord EX and Camry LE are very different in character because of differences between the two in handling, economy, convenience, and comfort, but controlling for as many factors as possible, the Camry i4/5M LE looks like a heck of a value.
Beginning in 2007, Toyota includes so many of these features standard for the Camry that the single "VS" (vehicle stability / traction) option for $650 gets you all the safety features above.
That means if you can live with an i4/5M versus a V6/6M, your MSRP savings for this level of safety is: $27,850 V6/6M Honda EX
-20,680 i4/5M Camry (with VS option) ------ $ 7,170 or, 34.7 percent less for the Camry LE.
And if you really have to have the extra power of the V6/6A, the Camry still wins as the 3.5L produces HP/Torque comparisons of:
268HP/248FT-LB, versus 244HP/211FT-LB for the Accord EX V6/6MAnd better fuel economy, and at MSRP of $24,270 with the VS option group included, is still $3,580 less than the EX Accord.
But this is a digression, since you can't get the V6 Camry with a stick, (which I want), and don't want the extra horses if it means giving up up the stick. (If you like automatics, this could an even sweeter deal for you ...)
Focusing on our original comparison, and limiting ourselves to how the cars are different ...
Honda EX V6/6M
More power, sportier handling Alloys Sunroof Remote anti-theft Leather seats & trim for doors, shifter, steering Heated seats & mirrors Folding rear bench w/ pass-thru Remote window operation Universal remote transmitter (garage/alarm) Dual climate control Illuminated vanity mirrors Floor mats
EPA Mileage / Range, City/Hwy w/17.1 gallon tank
21 / 30 -- 359/513and on the other side ....
Camrey i4/5M LE
Better fuel economy Smoother ride Quieter cabin
3.5 foot smaller turning circle Rear seatbelt pretensioners Tire Pressure Monitoring Split folding rear bench Rear center armrest storage Speed sensitive volume Aux mp3 audio input 15 vs 14 cu/ft luggage Dusk sensing headlampsEPA Mileage / Range, City/Hwy
24 / 34 EPA 444/629 Range with 18.5 gallon tank Average of 100 miles greater range!------------
So the Accord is your pick if money doesn't matter, and luxury, sporty handling an power are tops, and,
If $7,170 is a chunk of change for you, and, A smoother, quieter ride is important, and, Fuel economy and range matter, and, You can live with a butt-ugly grille,
The Camry LE looks like a winner.
+-----------------------------------------+ | Charles Lasitter | Mailing/Shipping | | 401/728-1987 | 14 Cooke St | | cl+at+ncdm+dot+com | Pawtucket RI 02860 | +-----------------------------------------+