Originally Posted By: ekpolk/
Please tell us how many miles you've logged driving an I-4 Camry? No, of course, they're not Corvettes, but they're not meant to be either.
I guess all those mindless morons who've taken Camry sales far beyond the Malibu, the M-6, etc., just all have it wrong. The malibu is a fine car, and I commend GM for producing it. But it's certainly NOT superior to the Camry in any objective sense. I can see where some folks will prefer it, while others will prefer the Camry. This is like arguing about whether chocolate ice cream is superior to strawberry, or vice versa. Please stop trying to tell us that chocolate IS BETTER then strawberry...
I spent a few days with an I-4 Camry as a rental (bare bones version). Compared to the hybrid, it was clearly lighter (the TCH is heavier than a V-6 car), but was also more nose-heavy (much of the TCH's "extra" weight is in the back, where both the 12v and traction batteries are located).
So, would you care to disclose to us your true agenda? And where your disproportionate anti-Camry bias is rooted?
As a professional mechanical engineer, automotive component designer, hobby race driver and general "car guy", all I can say is the camry, dynamically, does nothing well and a fews thing poorly. Such as: like ride tune/handling compromise, rear suspension kick, overly complex gear selector, understeer, intrusive center console. It pushes NO buttons on my "this is a good car" calculator. I do like its exterior styling.
- I did not compare the car to the Corvette, but to weekly rentals I've had this year and last like Mercury GMQ V8, Chev Malibu I4, Buick LeSabre V6. I found the car plenty Fast enough with one onboard.
-Objectively the current malibu platform is carved from stone v. the camry. The previous malibu platform I had driven as a weekly rental was abysmal - so bad i returned it to the rental agency and got something else.
- Having a solid well damped high resonant frequency unitbody is VERY important first step in the making of a good car. The opel epsilon II has this. BUT, I didnt like the Malibu's (electric assist?) power steering feel during quick transition or the high beltline + short side glass low roof - But I wasnt drive out the car by vanilla engineering, when I exit the car I usually thought - not bad for its intended market - good show GM (and overdue!) That said a 1992 Mazda 626 was prob a better car dynamically than either of these current models.
I am comfortable with my choices and i dont need anyone to validate them. If someone is HATING my yaris I will defend it where it is defensible, and concede where it's sloppy ( as in handling dynamics). I am also happy to criticize and talk about the compromises made in the selection of any new car - and there are many of them.
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