2006 Toyota Camry vs. 2006 BMW 3 Series

**IMm29** · November 7th, 2006 03:02 PM

I'm not really in the market for any of the two right now, coz wala rin akong pambili. Hehehe! Starting this thread para wala nang ma-o-OT dun sa "About the NEW CAMRY" thread ;)

http://tsikot.yehey.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32352

Anyhow, since this comparison is a bit Apples-and-Oranges, let's just keep it free flowing and anything goes, for as long as it's got to do with the new Camry and the current 3 Series. To facilitate comparison, please indicate what Camry model and what 3 Series model you are comparing.

Thanks!

**slicker_boi** · November 7th, 2006 03:20 PM

Price-wise, you can get the highest Camry model (3.5Q) at around the same amount as the lowest 3-Series model (316i).

Size-wise, the Camry is about the same dimensions as the 5-Series, while the 3-Series is roughly as big as an Altis.

Power-wise, Toyota wins again. 272-hp V6 against the top-spec 325i (we don't have 330i here) which is only around 225. The 2.4 4-cylinder Camry has 170 hp while the 2-liter 320i has 150.

Handling is where the BMW finally edges ahead. Its RWD platform and sophisticated chassis materials obviously beat the Camry's FWD and quite ordinary suspension. But ride is very good in the Camry, almost like a Mercedes. The 3-Series has a bit firmer setup but still very acceptable.

Another factor where the 3-Series wins is in fun-to-drive. BMWs always offer great driving pleasure. The Camry should be better than its predecessors, but nowhere near BMW in terms of excitement.

So to sum it up, the Camry obviously wins in space, performance and value, but the 3-Series is a more involving drive.

**oliver1013** · November 7th, 2006 04:25 PM

Plus. Well its a bimmer!!

**orly_andico** · November 7th, 2006 04:37 PM

wala nang 316i ngayon sa E90. at least locally, the humblest E90 is the 318i with a 4-banger.

and the E90 is as large as a previous-generation 5-series (e.g. E39).

that's why in the other thread i did not point out that the Camry has a size advantage, kasi midsize na rin ang E90.

**IMm29** · November 7th, 2006 04:57 PM

Is the E90 really that much bigger, compared to the E36 and E46, and E39? Midsize na siya, pero smaller mid-sized? Sensha na, haven't really taken a look at the E90 up close. Wala na bang 316i? Kelangan ulit baguhin ng motioncars ang car chart nila.

**kimpOy** · November 7th, 2006 05:02 PM

im in between....he..he

but leaning to the e90...sarap dalhin sa mga twisty roads

**mazdamazda** · November 7th, 2006 05:17 PM

The E90 316i was only released here in limited numbers... it is quite bare but still has all the electronic safety gizmos found in the higher variants.

Anyway - I'd still take the E90 anytime. A bimmer is a bimmer is a bimmer. Even a 10-year old E36 feels better than some of the newer vehicles. Its prestige doesn't water down over time as the flying-propeller logo has a high resale value here. And speaking of resale value, it is quite low for Japanese mid-size sedans.

Though it all boils down to your properities... if you want comfort above a sporty drive then the Camry if the vehicle for you.

**chickeness** · November 8th, 2006 12:32 PM

Originally Posted by slicker_boi

Price-wise, you can get the highest Camry model (3.5Q) at around the same amount as the lowest 3-Series model (316i).

Size-wise, the Camry is about the same dimensions as the 5-Series, while the 3-Series is roughly as big as an Altis.

Power-wise, Toyota wins again. 272-hp V6 against the top-spec 325i (we don't have 330i here) which is only around 225. The 2.4 4-cylinder Camry has 170 hp while the 2-liter 320i has 150.

Handling is where the BMW finally edges ahead. Its RWD platform and sophisticated chassis materials obviously beat the Camry's FWD and quite ordinary suspension. But ride is very good in the Camry, almost like a Mercedes. The 3-Series has a bit firmer setup but still very acceptable.

Another factor where the 3-Series wins is in fun-to-drive. BMWs always offer great driving pleasure. The Camry should be better than its predecessors, but nowhere near BMW in terms of excitement.

So to sum it up, the Camry obviously wins in space, performance and value, but the 3-Series is a more involving drive.

read the red highlight.
NO WAY! TOYOTA will be TOYOTA. There is no way in this world Camry will have the "ALMOST" same ride as benz. Even if u compare it with C-Class or any lower class of Benz. Not Even Close to 1/2

**empy** · November 8th, 2006 12:40 PM

^you'd be surprised. the new top of the line Camrys are basically identical to Lexus ES-class cars. when i drove those cars the ride feels silky smooth, it soaks up bumps as well as any entry level luxury car, and has very comfortable appointments.

i still prefer the benz's solid ride and interior appointments, but the ride is really not that far off, imo.