2012 Subaru Legacy vs. 2012 Toyota Camry | |
| The 2012 Subaru Legacy and the 2012 Toyota Camry are competitors in the midsize sedan car market with a price of around $22,000 with options. While both vehicles may seem similar in styling and price, the Legacy offers excellent handling, standard AWD (not even an option on the Camry) and an efficient Boxer engine. With engine upgrades, the Legacy can sport a 2.5GT and 3.6R engine, which gives it sports car acceleration. Don't take our word for it, compare for yourself. | |
2012 Subaru Legacy | 2012 Toyota Camry |
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Engine Choices - Economical, Sporty and GT | ||
| Midsize cars, like the Accord and Camry, receive a bad reputation when it comes to driving pleasure, but not the Subaru Legacy. Both the Legacy and Camry offer a base 4-cylinder engine that boasts around 170hp. The difference is in the drive train. The Legacy offers standard symmetrical AWD, while the Camry does not have an AWD option. The flat laying Boxer engine in the Legacy sends power to all four wheels, all the time, which allows the Legacy to tow up to 3,000 pounds and retain traction on snowy and rainy road conditions. We'll touch more on AWD below. | ||
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The Subaru Legacy offers three different engine choices, base 2.5i liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine, 2.5GT that cranks out 265-hp on a turbocharged 4-cylinder Boxer and the 3.6R, which delivers 256-hp with a 6-cyinder engine. The Camry offers a 2.5 base engine with 178-hp. Other engine choices are optional with the Camry. The difference is how the engine sends power the wheels. With the Legacy, the engine sends power to all four wheels, which delivers an exceptional driving experience that puts the driver in full control of the vehicle. While the Camry leaves much to be desired in terms of handling, control and fun behind the wheel. | ||
LINEARTRONIC CVT - Increased Performance, Greater Fuel Economy and Fun to Drive |
Smoother performance. Greater efficiency. You can have both with Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This innovative transmission technology is also found on the 2012 Outback and 2012 Impreza. Automatic Mode Lineartronic CVT delivers 31 MPG on the highway. Leave it in the Automatic mode, and the gearless transmission infinitely adjusts to match your acceleration needs -- thereby eliminating the need to shift, which preserves the vehicle's momentum that can be lost when a conventional automatic transmission shifts gears. Also, Lineartronic CVT uses a step-less gear ratio, which allows your engine to run in its optimal power range for improved fuel economy and performance.  Delivering 31 MPG Highway 6-Speed Manual Mode For a more engaged driving experience, Lineartronic CVT comes standard with the 6-speed manual mode complete with paddle shifters mounted right at your fingertips. This system simulates the feeling of a 6-speed manual transmission by allowing you to manually select the gearing ratio that best fits your driving situation. It comes in handy for confidently merging onto the highway, passing other cars, or descending hills, as well as making the driving experience feel sharper and sportier. Also available in 6 speed manual transmission - Not Available in the Camry |
How Subaru CVT Works - No Sound
Interior Styling - Upscale vs. UnrefinedWhen it comes to choosing the best midsize car for you and your family, you want to choose one that is comfortable, sporty and fun to drive. The interior of your vehicle tells a lot about yourself and can provide comfort, or an unpleasant driving experience, depending on the vehicle. With luxury interior options found on the Legacy at an affordable price, it just makes sense to treat yourself to the upscale feel, without the upscale price tag. Go ahead, indulge a little, but don't break the bank doing it. | |
| Toyota Camry - Unrefined Interior -Climate display is difficult to read -Options are pricey -Base model has few convenience features |
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Safety and AWD - Safety is Standard on the Legacy
When it comes to safety, both vehicles offer an extensive array of SRS airbags, anti-lock brakes and crumple zones. However, only the 2012 Subaru Legacy offers a dismounting Boxer engine and Symmetrical AWD as standard safety features. In the event of a frontal collision, the engine can pass through to the cabin area and injure the driver and passengers. The Subaru Boxer engine dismounts in the event of a frontal collision and safety slides underneath the vehicle, away from the driver and passengers. Symmetrical AWD is a lifesaving safety feature only found in Subaru models. The AWD system works by sending power to all four-wheels all the time, which provides better grip, control and handling. Anyone that lives in a snowy or rainy area knows the dangers that front-wheel drive vehicles face when the tires don't get the traction they need, much like on the Camry. However, Symmetrical AWD provides the traction needed and allows for a safe and pleasurable driving experience, regardless of road conditions. Don't take a chance with your own or your families life on a vehicle without Symmetrical AWD. Check out the video below and discover how valuable this standard safety feature really is on the 2012 Subaru Legacy.
