Executive Car: Toyota Camry vs Volvo V50 / S40

[niky]

The Legacy is, I think, ugly as an apartment block, but it's got a turbocharged boxer engine and AWD... which makes up for all sins...

The Mazda6, personally, is not tight, not quite like the old Mazda6 ...which really wasn't tight, either... being based on the 626, which was quite spacious for its time), but the class benchmarks have moved on.

In the case of the Camry and the Accord... they've moved a lot. If you're moving up from an older mid-sized car, the Mazda6 will seem perfectly spacious to you... but if you cross-shop, you'll note how much roomier and more comfortable cars like the Accord seem.

I love the Mazda6, very sporty feeling, good enough power considering the price... but I'm the kind to drive myself. It may feel tighter in front for bigger passengers because of the way Mazda builds center consoles, but otherwise, it's fine.

If I were buying for a back-seat passenger, though, I'd look elsewhere.

Again...(from other thread) Accord... great space... not quite as boring as the Camry, great engines... incredible interior quality compared to the competition. Only thing I hate is the grip of the stock tires, but that's easy to fix.

[daimengrui]

I actually pay attention more on proportions rather than size. Having the right lumbar support and the just enough legroom is preferable. In big crashes, it was noted that bigger spaced interiors causes more injuries (because you have more room for possible whiplashes/ body displacement)

[ghosthunter]

If you guys want to add more cars to the mix... don't forget the Lancer EX.

The fact is the Volvo S40 is more comparable to the Lancer EX than to the Camry.

[ghosthunter]

I actually pay attention more on proportions rather than size. Having the right lumbar support and the just enough legroom is preferable. In big crashes, it was noted that bigger spaced interiors causes more injuries (because you have more room for possible whiplashes/ body displacement)

And that is compared to being pinned in the car or crushed?

The fact that one is supposed to be wearing a seat-belt is being ignored by your statement.

[civic1990]

First of all, thank you to those who have given their opinions so far. I have learned much from all your inputs.

The car will actually be driven by a middle-age lady executive, although she might use a driver every once in a while (say twice a month). However, it could happen sometime in the future that she could get a full-time driver and it would be a nice option to have a car that fits this, but it is not A MUST HAVE feature.

She isn't very particular with horsepower (that is why we are opting for the 2.0L variant), but wants a respectable image as an executive. That is why the Volvo S40 / V50 was considered because as most of you have said, volvo wins over camry in terms of porma-image.

After reading thru your posts, we will take a look at the Subaru Legacy and maybe even the Mazda 6. My first impression though is that the Mazda 6 might not get the "respect" from fellow executives who have their cars (Accord, Camry, etc.) parked beside your car. This is just my uneducated first impression but will try and learn more about the Mazda 6.

To the Subaru Legacy lovers, how would you compare it to the Camry using the same set of criteria i posted earlier? I know that the Legacy is more expensive (2 M pesos) compared to the Camry but haven't seen one actually.

FYI, she is leaning towards the Volvo V50 as of now.

[aejhayl17]

If you guys want to add more cars to the mix... don't forget the Lancer EX.

The fact is the Volvo S40 is more comparable to the Lancer EX than to the Camry.

wahaha eto na ba ang famous lancer EX mo sir gh? hehe pics nga jan!

sorry OT:

[civic1990]

But the TS said... will be used by an Executive. I assume he will drive it himself... Which is more fun to drive? For me, kung executive ka at naka-barong ka lagi abah baka mapagkalaman ka pang driver if your handling a Camry.

Natawa ako LOL

[civic1990]

1)
But for the experience, I'd go for the Volvo.
Camry will always be around the corner.

You made me think.

[Horsepower]

Volvo was bought by a Chinese company (geely) from Ford.

so as far as impressions are concerned, you're gonna be driving a chinese car, not really something that would inspire confidence. hehee.

[jbox168]

go for the subaru!!!! CBU japan

[ghosthunter]

wahaha eto na ba ang famous lancer EX mo sir gh? hehe pics nga jan!

sorry OT:

already posted in another thread.

[daimengrui]

TS, now that you disclosed that the driver is a female. All the more you should consider a Mazda 6. I would assume she would have a hard time parking the bigger Camry.

BTW Volvo reliability is very bad. My mom used to own an S80, napilitan i trade nalang to a bimmer. Dami masyadong issues with Volvo.

[daimengrui]

And that is compared to being pinned in the car or crushed?

The fact that one is supposed to be wearing a seat-belt is being ignored by your statement.

You're not exempt from a neck whiplash even if you're fully buckled up.

[ghosthunter]

You're not exempt from a neck whiplash even if you're fully buckled up.

"Whiplash" is a problem if you are hit from behind and if the head support of your seats aren't installed properly.

In frontal collisions, whiplash is less of a problem in minor accidents. While in major accidents, the SRS front airbags should help support the driver & front passenger to minimize injuries.

We aren't talking about F1 speeds and impact forces here that would require a HANS device to be worn by the occupants.

But there are studies that, in case of an accident, being too close to the airbag does have negative consequences to the occupant that might lead to more injuries or even death.

[ghosthunter]

TS, now that you disclosed that the driver is a female. All the more you should consider a Mazda 6. I would assume she would have a hard time parking the bigger Camry.

Parking is not really a problem. Visibility is generally good around the Camry. And back sensors does a god job of aiding in places where you are blind.

BTW Volvo reliability is very bad. My mom used to own an S80, napilitan i trade nalang to a bimmer. Dami masyadong issues with Volvo.

Same with my dad. He used to drive a Volvo S40. Later, after much headaches and patience of Job with Volvo's maintenance, service & parts delays, he changed to a BMW.

[daimengrui]

First of all, thank you to those who have given their opinions so far. I have learned much from all your inputs.

The car will actually be driven by a middle-age lady executive, although she might use a driver every once in a while (say twice a month). However, it could happen sometime in the future that she could get a full-time driver and it would be a nice option to have a car that fits this, but it is not A MUST HAVE feature.

She isn't very particular with horsepower (that is why we are opting for the 2.0L variant), but wants a respectable image as an executive. That is why the Volvo S40 / V50 was considered because as most of you have said, volvo wins over camry in terms of porma-image.

After reading thru your posts, we will take a look at the Subaru Legacy and maybe even the Mazda 6. My first impression though is that the Mazda 6 might not get the "respect" from fellow executives who have their cars (Accord, Camry, etc.) parked beside your car. This is just my uneducated first impression but will try and learn more about the Mazda 6.

To the Subaru Legacy lovers, how would you compare it to the Camry using the same set of criteria i posted earlier? I know that the Legacy is more expensive (2 M pesos) compared to the Camry but haven't seen one actually.

FYI, she is leaning towards the Volvo V50 as of now.

First of all, Camry, Mazda 6 or the Volvo v50 are all MID Sized cars. You will get equal respect for buying any of them.

Frankly I don't feel any of those cars are for executive use. You may get a wow reaction from common folks but from those in the know about cars all you will get is a big yawn. I often regard Mazda 6 and Camrys as middle management cars. Not to be used by VPs or CEOs.

If your buyer demands more respect then she should buy either a BMW 7 series, the new E-Class, a Lexus LS460L ,a Porsche Panamera or even better a Cadillac CTS-V.

[daimengrui]

Hey I almost forgot that there's a Hyundai Genesis Luxury Sedan, but that one is over the budget of below 2m... though its a good car IMO

[renzo_d10]

*TS :: I`ve seen a few legacies already ranging from the hatch to the sedan version of it. In different colors actually, the black being the most common. All I can say is, it's really a stunner maybe because we're not used in seeing it unlike the Camry and, maybe because of it's new and refreshed looks.

On the other hand ... you've said that HER office mates are going in with a Camry, so why join the " group " .... have something different like the 3.5 V6 Accord maybe ?

Genesis Sedan ...



Subaru Legacy Sedan



Honda Accord.

[ghosthunter]

First of all, Camry, Mazda 6 or the Volvo v50 are all MID Sized cars. You will get equal respect for buying any of them.

Frankly I don't feel any of those cars are for executive use. You may get a wow reaction from common folks but from those in the know about cars all you will get is a big yawn. I often regard Mazda 6 and Camrys as middle management cars. Not to be used by VPs or CEOs.

If your buyer demands more respect then she should buy either a BMW 7 series, the new E-Class, a Lexus LS460L ,a Porsche Panamera or even better a Cadillac CTS-V.

The point is getting missed. The point is the TS is going for a bigger car for the size and comfort and not for the "wow" factor.

In the Philippines, people who like to show off their "wealth" are potential future kidnap for ransom victims.

[aejhayl17]

In the Philippines, people who like to show off their "wealth" are potential future kidnap for ransom victims.

+1 on this. the kidnappers will ask the same amount you paid for the luxurious vehicle. maybe even 10x

i prefer the more common(the "executive looking" camry) but meets my requirements. second is the accord, maiba naman, ganda din nito eh.