1998 Camry vs Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is a series of automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1976, best known for its four-door sedan variant since 1989. The Accord nameplate has been applied to a variety of vehicles worldwide, including coupes, wagons, hatchbacks and a crossover. The Toyota Camry is a series of mid-size (originally compact) automobiles manufactured by Toyota since 1982, and sold on the majority of automotive markets throughout the world.

In the early 1990s Honda and Toyota, like other leading car manufacturers in Japan and Europe were redeveloping their four door sedan vehicles into more competitive segments to appeal to the different sedan or saloon market segments. The medium market segment was very dynamic as it attracted the attention of the medium level executives and professionals who were family people.

Honda re-developed the Accord while Toyota presented the Camry. They both offered newly designed spacious, comfortable and efficient cars. The competition between the Accord and the Camry was very stiff and both cars were good sellers in North America, Europe as well as back home in Japan. These cars are on our roads today and still offer something attractive to the Ugandan used car buyers, we look at the

1998 2.2 litre petrol models in this edition.

Performance
Honda Accord’s H22A L4 2.2 litre engine and Toyota Camry’s 5SFE L4 2.2 litre engines have a couple of things in common. They have the same engine capacity and close engine torque and power output, are equipped with electronic fuel injection systems and have double overhead camshaft shafts (DOHC).

The use of two camshafts in the cylinder head by Accord and Camry facilitates higher engine revolutions and much better fuel economy. This is due to reduced valve train inertia, a wider angle between the intake and exhaust valves and central location of spark plugs which allow less restricted air flow and better combustion efficiency.

However, Honda Accord’s VTEC electronic variable valve timing system hydraulically selects between the two cam shaft profiles to improve power output of the engine. This engine technology works well with Accord’s intelligent Grade Logic control – GLC 4 speed automatic transmission which selects the right gear for each driving condition and style and remains hunting between gears for the right ratios. This gives Accord slightly better acceleration and fuel economy than the Camry. This is particularly appealing to the highway commuters in Uganda.

Handling
Accord and Camry handle pretty well on the highway thanks to the independent suspension systems. Overall, however, the Camry takes the lead when it comes to multi terrain driving and high speed road holding. Accord’s Macpherson strut suspension carries only a coil spring and shock absorber. The drawback with this system is the limited vertical movement of the wheels which compromises handling on uneven or corrugated roads. Macpherson struts have less control over motion of the wheels through central travel and camber. On the other hand Camry’s double wishbone suspension overcomes the limitation of the independent strut system by reinforcing them to provide articulate and superior dynamic multi road holding as well as load handling capability.

Styling, safety and comfort
One must admit that the design and styling of both the 1998 Accord and Camry was rather conservative and unexciting. Perhaps it was the functionality that the manufacturers had in mind. In that regard both manufacturers paid attention. Accord and Camry have classy, spacious and comfortable interiors. They offer ample leg and shoulder room, modern entertainment and comfort amenities such as CD audio entertainment, air conditioning and power windows and doors are available. Modern safety features such as ABS brakes and supplementary restraint airbags are available. In this category both cars tie.

Reliability and resale value
Honda Accord and Toyota Camry both come from a pedigree of reliable and durable cars. However the reliability of a used Accord or Camry in Uganda is hinged on the mileage you buy it, its service history, your car maintenance regime and the availability of fast and slow moving parts. While you may get lucky to score on the first two or three points for both cars, the availability of maintenance parts remains a challenge for the Accord in Uganda. A few parts trickle in through a handful of private dealers in town but the coverage is still limited. This gives Camry an edge over the Accord, in this segment.

Verdict
Honda Accord wins two star points for better performance and good comfort and safety features. Toyota Camry wins with four star points for better handling, comfort and safety features, better reliability and resale value.

editorial@ug.nationmedia.com