GFerg

1st. Toyota Avalon:
The Japanese giant's latest flagship steps up to the plate with personality and something for just about everybody

0-60: 6.2
0-100: 15.9
Passing 45-65: 3.0
Quarter mile: 14.8/96.2mph
60-0: 126ft
Slalom: 61.9mph
Lateral Acceleration: 0.81g
Price as tested: 32,074$

2nd. VW Passat:
A large, V6-engine German sedan at the price of a four-banger Audi.

0-60: 6.2
0-100: 15.3
Passing 45-65: 3.1
Quarter mile: 14.6/97.6mph
60-0: 127ft
Slalom: 64.1mph
Lateral Acceleration: 0.84g
Price as tested: 36,415$


3rd. Hyundai Azera:
Will nothing stop this company? Don't look now, Buick and others, but the Azera's eating your lunch.

0-60: 6.8
0-100: 17.9
Passing 45-65: 3.2
Quarter mile: 15.2/93.6mph
60-0: 121ft
Slalom: 63.8mph
Lateral Acceleration: 0.78g
Price as tested: 29,995$

jrock65

I read this comparo, and it was pretty good.

One thing that was odd was that even though both the Azera and Avalon recommed regular fuel, the Avalon was tested with premium while the Azera was tested with regular.

These high output engines benefit power-wise from higher octane fuel, and the Avalon got a bit of an unfair advantage over the Azera.

spwolf

difference is 2-3hp only (ES 350 engine vs Camry engine)... Of course, Passat is also a lot smaller car than Avalon or Azera, isnt it?

jrock65

Difference for the Avalon vs. the ES350 is 4 hp and 6 torque. Whether that translates to no performance improvement or noticeable improvement is unknown. In any case, my point is that mags should use the recommended fuel in tests, and comparos especially, to make it as apples to apples as possible. If they're going to use premium fuel, use premium fuel in both cars. Why one and not the other?

The Passat is in the Camry/Sonata class in terms of size, but was probably tested here because of its price and upscale features.

Lexmex

Well Passat also has the 4-Motion option if I am not mistaken, and down here in Mexico that gets a lot of car buyers walking out with those vehicles. Practically, every Passat on the road I see has this option and the only people I knew who did not have it was due to the fact that it was their company car.

spwolf

well, it is not unknown. I am sure 4hp matters, but it doesnt matter enough to make that much difference. Avalon's powertrain combo is simply faster.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

i drove the new avalon loaner when my moms pre gen avalon was in the shop, that thing is awesome as heck, inside is just monsterous, had as much room as my dads 2000 740. Engine was very good too, torquey, even when gunning it, the car ride remained smooth. Excellent car

LexFather

Thanks, this was a good test. All 3 cars are eating GMs lunch. $36k for a VW

Gojirra99

Good win for Avalon again

I' ve sat in it, but I think I might have to test drive one some time

lexusls430

Avalon is really nice, it deserves first place.

LexLaw

Yeah I enjoyed that article also. its amazing how far Hyundai has come and how far they can go. They are no longer a joke. I wish GM and Ford could say the same. Though I must admit Ford is trying somewhat. The Avalon is impressive in person the few times I've seen them.

TheRupp

The Avalon's a very impressive car, especially for the money
I LOVE the new Passat. I drove one and it's definitely a monstrous improvement from the previous generation. It gets a
Look out everyone, Hyundai's small in the rearview mirror right now but watch out in about 10 years...