The 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid vs. The 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Lately, environmental pollution and its effects has become a topic in many debates and has generated equally varied interpretations from many an environmentalists. The automotive industry is one among the many industries associated with environmental pollution and this has been attributed to the kind of motor vehicles produced by these industries. Therefore, motor vehicles manufacturers have an obligation of producing cars that will have minimal environmental pollution impacts in addition to supporting energy conservation initiatives. Arguably, production of hybrid cars seems to be the best solution to this problem. Ford Corporation and Toyota Motors Company have opened the way by producing the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid and the 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid, respectively. The scope of this essay will be restricted or rather limited to comparing and contrasting of the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid and the 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid.
According to Auto Press, out of 19 Affordable midsize Cars, the 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid is positioned 13. Additionally, unlike other hybrids which are highly priced in comparison with the standard model, the 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid is relatively less expensive. The good attributes of Camry includes; it is economical in terms of fuel, it is easy to ride, and it has a comfortable cabin. On the other hand, the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid is positioned 3 as well as North American Car of the Year in 2010 at the Detroit auto show. Besides, it is very remarkable in terms of performance and economical in fuel consumption, (Jennifer, 2010). Notably, the two cars can be compared from different perspectives.
Differences
Cost
Arguably, a number of features have to be considered when the cost of a car is calculated. However, manufacturer’s suggested retail price is the main factor that is taken into consideration. Based on this factor, the Ford Fusion Hybrid is considered as being more expensive than the Toyota Camry. Due to its performance, smooth hybrid system, as well as its lively handling, the 2011 Ford Fusion has a higher price tag as compared to the 2011 Toyota Camry. Actually, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of the Ford Fusion is estimated to be approximately $28, 825; which is more that the price of the Toyota Camry by about $2,000, (Media.Ford.Com, 2011). The other factor that is considered is the destination charge, which in this context is used to imply the cost that is incurred in transporting a car from the industry where it is built to the dealer. It has been observed that both cars have similar destination charges. Therefore, the only distinguishing factor in the two cars in from the cost point of view is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.
Trim Levels, Body Styles, and options.
The 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid has a 16-inch wheel made of steel, it has been made in such a way that no need for keys to ignite and enter. Additionally, the car has a dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview mirror which is auto-dimming. The driver’s seat is eight-way powered. Other electrics such as a CD/MP3 stereo with six speakers and a trip computer have also been installed in this car. On the other hand, the 2011 Ford Fusion is a solitary trim midsize car. The standard apparatus of this car includes, a mechanical headlamps, 17-inch wheels made of alloy, a security code pad which does not need a key to enter, blind-spot information system which is crucial in boosting the coolness of the drivers, and a dual-zone automatic climate control, (Sean, 2011). Moreover, unlike the 2011 Toyota Camry, the 2011 Ford Fusion has the Mykey system which is used to regulate the top audio volume as well as speed. This car has a six-way power seats for passengers. Like the Toyota Camry, electrics such as CD/MP3 system have been installed in the Ford Fusion. However, the SYNC system which was developed by Microsoft and Ford is voice-activated.
Powertrains and performance
According to Larry & Brad (2011), the 2011 Toyota Camry, it is powered an electric motor working hand in hand with a 2.4 liter gas engine. The motor produces approximately 40 horsepower while the gasoline engine produces about 147 horsepower making it about 187 horsepower maximum. Notably, the 2011 Ford Fusion is also powered by an electric motor and a gasoline engine. However, Ford Fusion’s engine is a bit bigger producing about 156 horsepower in addition to 191 horsepower that is produced by the electric motor. Based on this information, the performance of Ford Fusion Hybrid is higher in comparison to the Toyota Camry. This is because the Ford Fusion produces higher horsepower as compared to the Toyota Camry. Furthermore, Ford fusion is considered to be more economical in fuel consumption as compared to the Toyota Camry. Actually, it is argued that fuel economy of the 2011 Ford Fusion is better than the Toyota Camry by 2 mpg.
Safety
In terms of safety, airbags have been installed in certain areas of both cars; for instance, at the side curtain, front-seat side, as well as the position of the knees of the driver. The 2011 Toyota Camry has a stability control and antilock disc brakes in addition. Based on the government’s crash testing, this car has been awarded three stars out of five; three stars for side crash protection and also three stars for frontal crash protection, (Jennifer, 2010). From the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety point of view the car is rated as “good” in terms of safety. In addition to the airbags, the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid has rear parking sensors and MyKey. Moreover, this car also a system that sends warning of any blind-spots. To satisfy its safety claims, the car stopped 59 mph in 125 feet at the track test. From the point of view of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety the car has been rated as being “good”. On the basis of government’s crash test, the 2011 Ford Fusion was awarded four stars rear side protection and five stars for both front side protection and frontal collision protection.
Similarities
Although the two cars have significant differences, they also have some common attributes. For instance, in terms of dimensions, the two cars have the same width and length. It has also been observed that both cars are convenient in terms of fuel consumption because they can reach almost same miles per tank of fuel. Both cars are also similar in terms of utility, due to the fact that both cars can carry the same number of people. However, the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid has a higher cargo capacity in comparison to the 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid. Additionally, both cars have almost equal power as they have similar torque which transfers the power of the engine to the wheels. Lastly, the Ford fusion Hybrid as the same essential guarantee as the Toyota Camry Hybrid.
Conclusion
Based on the above analysis, although the two cars are almost similar, the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid is better than the 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid. For instance, the Ford Fusion as MyKey and blind-spot mirrors which enhances more safety as compared to the Toyota Camry. The Ford Fusion is also more economical as compared to the Toyota Camry.
References
Jennifer, W. (Dec 2010). 2011 Ford Fusion/Fusion Hybrid Named Fleet Car of the Year.
Retrieved on 4th May 2011 from http://www.automotive-fleet.com/Channel/Green-Fleet/Article/Story/2010/12/2011-Ford-Fusion-Fusion-Hybrid-Named-Fleet-Car-of-the-Year.aspx
Larry, E. H & Brad, B. (2011). Toyota Camry Hybrid. Retrieved on 4th May 2011 from
http://www.hybridcars.com/compacts-sedans/toyota-camry-hybrid-overview.html
Sean, T. (2011). Ford Fusion Hybrid Tops Camry, Prius in Comparison. Retrieved on 4th May
2011 from http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/853/ford-fusion-hybrid-tops-camry-prius-in-comparisons
Media.Ford.Com. (2011). New 2011 Ford Fusion, Fusion Hybrid offer Leading Fuel Efficiency,
Smart new Technologies. Retrieved on 4th May 2011 from http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=29448
