2005 Buick Allure Road Test

While the price gap is nominal the difference in power is monumental, considering the base Camry's inline-four makes only 160

The Allure's base engine is a fairly powerful V6 shifted via a standard automatic transmission. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

horsepower compared to the Allure's robust 200 horsepower. Sizing up the torque rating of either engine makes the Buick look even more enticing than the Toyota, with a substantial 225 lb-ft at a driver's disposal compared to a puny 163.

Some who read this comparison will no doubt contend that the Camry features a 5-speed automatic transmission when optioned out and the Allure only a 4-speed unit, and that the Toyota 4-cylinder is more sophisticated, with variable valve timing, dual-overhead cam

I'd definitely pick the base Buick Allure over the base Toyota Camry as a daily driver. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

architecture and four-valves per cylinder, while GM's 3.8-liter unit is a fairly old tech 2-valve per cylinder, overhead-valve unit. Fair enough.

And the Buick doesn't sip away at fuel with the Camry's miserly manners, although it's hardly a boor. The difference between the two is a mere 0.9 L/100 km in the city and 1.9 L/100 km on the highway. To be exact: 10.0 L/100 km for the Camry and 11.9 for the Allure in the city, and 6.4 L/100 km for the Camry and 7.3 for the Allure on the highway. While today's fuel costs are high, most drivers will be willing to trade off the fuel economy losses for the added power.