• "Camry and Elite are built in the same factory
building, Subaru of Indiana Automotive Plant."
•
"The Elite has All
Wheel Drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially
in ice and snow. The Camry doesn't
offer All Wheel Drive."
•
The Elite comes with Leather
and Moonroof as standard
equipment.
•
For its top level performance in frontal, side and rear impact
tests, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates
the Elite as a “Gold” Top Safety Pick,
its highest rating, granted to only 11 vehicles tested by the
IIHS. The Camry doesn’t qualify
for either a Gold or Silver rating.
•
The Elite comes with free roadside assistance for 3 years 36,000
miles. Subaru will send help if you run out of gas, need a jump
start, lock your keys in or need any assistance on the road.
Camry doesn’t give free roadside
assistance for the Camry.
•
The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Elite
lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability (That’s
why Porsche uses boxer engines.). The Camry
doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.
•
The Elite's standard tires provide
better handling because they have a lower 50 series
profile (height to width ratio) which provides a stiffer sidewall
than the Camry’s standard 60 series tires.
•
For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Legacy has standard
17 inch wheels. Smaller 16 inch wheels are
standard on the Camry.
•
The Elite has .7 inches
more front headroom and
2.4 inches more front legroom
than the Camry.
•
A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the
Elite easier. The Legacy Sedan’s trunk lift-over height
is 26.6 inches, while the Camry’s liftover is 29 inches.
•
To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the Elite's
trunk lid uses concealed beam hinges that don’t intrude
into the trunk. The Camry’s useful trunk space is reduced
by its intrusive beam hinge.
•
The Elite’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long
and bulky cargo. The Camry SE/XLE doesn’t offer folding
rear seats, only a ski pass-through.
•
The Elite’s standard towing capacity is much higher than
the Camry’s (2700 vs. 1000 pounds).
•
The engine in the Elite
is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways,
as in the Camry. This makes it easier
to service and maintain, because there are no rear
spark plugs and the accessory belts are in front.
•
To improve comfort and visibility, the Elite has standard pull-out
visor extensions that block glare better. The Camry doesn’t
offer extendable visors.
•
Strategic Vision rated the Elite first
among medium multi-functions in owner reported satisfaction.
This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its
owner’s expectations. The Camry was rated 10th in its
category.
•
The Elite was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All
Stars” in 2005. The Camry hasn’t been picked since
1997. |
