5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
Is the XLE quieter than the LE or SE model? and is the V6 quieter than the I4? or visa-versa?
The XLE seems like a poor mans Lexus.
Thanks
I drove a 2007 I4 XLE for nearly two years -- got it essentially the first day the new generation was available at my local dealership. I recently traded it for a V6 SE, and these would be my thoughts:
Both were essentially "loaded except for navigation." Heated leather seats, moonroof, auto dimming mirror, etc.
The V6 is substantially quieter than the I4, during initial startup and acceleration. Once at speed, the difference is minimal.
The "V-brace" in the XLE and SE might make them less prone to body rattles, as it really strengthens up the body structure.
The biggest difference, though, is probably in terms of "ride quality" with the V6. It just feels like a much heavier car -- as far as I'm concerned, my V6 SE absolutely "soaks up the bumps" that the I4 XLE would "bounce over." And that's even with the SE's "sportier" suspension. It's an impressive blend of handling capability plus a smooth, quiet ride.
Finally, I have to heartily recommend the SE seat. I never really got comfortable at all in the XLE seat, but the SE has a different seat than all of the other models -- it has more "bolstering" to hold your body in place. And I sure like that.
In the end, my trade amounted to a "Camry do-over" -- after learning and experiencing all I could about the Camry, I sure thought that the SE was heads and tails better for what I wanted in the car than any other model. I'm far more satisfied with it than I was with my I4 XLE....
I currently have a 02 Accord EX, my biggest complaint is Engine and Road noise. I have heard the 08 Accord is not that much quieter, and the Camry is much quieter.
I assume the V6 is quieter because it doesent have to rev has high.
I currently have a 02 Accord EX, my biggest complaint is Engine and Road noise. I have heard the 08 Accord is not that much quieter, and the Camry is much quieter.
I assume the V6 is quieter because it doesent have to rev has high.
I assume the V6 is quieter because it doesent have to rev has high.
Yes. It's also just plain quieter when it revs, too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ledebuhr1
I currently have a 02 Accord EX, my biggest complaint is Engine and Road noise. I have heard the 08 Accord is not that much quieter, and the Camry is much quieter.
In my experience (I had a POS rattletrap 2004 Accord EX-L coupe), Honda "just plain doesn't care even the slightest bit" about noise and vibrations and rattles and such. Toyota is much, much different, though. For instance....
One thing the SE and the XLE get is an extra "v-brace" between the passenger compartment and the trunk:
That should make the body much stiffer and resistant to vibrations.
All Camry models get very serious attention towards blocking noise and vibrations and keeping them from getting into the passenger compartment, like the following:
Again, Toyota puts a lot of effort into producing a quiet vehicle, whereas Honda seems to just utterly ignore this kind of stuff.
If both have the same insulation, what contributes to the fact that the XLE has slightly lesser of a headroom, both front and rear, compared tot he LE? I would contribute that to more insulation, below and above, won't you agree??
If both have the same insulation, what contributes to the fact that the XLE has slightly lesser of a headroom, both front and rear, compared tot he LE? I would contribute that to more insulation, below and above, won't you agree??
I always wanted to ask the Accord designers if they ever drove an Camry. You would think things like that would be hard to ignore.
Does the extra V-brace affect the side impact resistance of the Camry?
I get the impression that Honda just isn't interested in spending the money to engineer "quiet" into its cars. It's just not on the Honda radar screen.
The v-brace probably wouldn't hurt the side impact resistance, but since it's in the back, it's probably not a big player in that aspect. The current side-impact standards make for some very sturdy vehicles, and it just made the news how new cars built with "high strength steel" are outpacing rescue teams' ability to extract people from damaged cars -- like this article:
The v-brace is probably more intended to support the roof and the back end of the vehicle -- it's a good comparison to my 2004 Accord, which just had a very loosey-goosey feeling to the back end, along with its ten thousand constant rattles. The bracing also would help in terms of ride and handling -- to the extent that the body stays stiff, the suspension can better perform the job it has been designed to do.
All I can tell you is that, after my horrid Accord experience, I want all the "bracing" I can get!
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