But I'm nitpicking aren't I? What matters more than component comparisons is
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| The Allure was a delight, as expected on the highway where Buicks have always excelled, but also on twisting side roads. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
how each drives. Fair enough again. Well, both cars feature fully-independent suspension systems, important to enhance the fun factor as well as execute accident avoidance maneuvers. I covered a fair bit of roadway during my one day test, made up of winding backcountry roads -- some not even paved -- and open freeways with big sweeping curves and long straights. The Allure was a delight, as expected on the highway where Buicks have always excelled, but also on the twisting side roads where the new car's suspension delivered enjoyable control, even when pushed. I've driven similar territory in the Camry too, and find the Allure to be a little more nimble while slightly more stable at high speeds.
The entire experience moves up a notch or two when opting for either
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| Under the hood of the top-line Allure CSX is a very special Cadillac Northstar inspired 3.6-liter V6, sporting 240 horsepower. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
automaker's top-line cars. In Buick-speak this is the CSX, and under the hood is a very special Cadillac Northstar inspired 3.6-liter V6, sporting 240 horsepower at a lofty 6,000 rpm that comes via variable valve timing, as does its 230 lb-ft of torque at an easily attainable 3,200 rpm. The Camry's 3.3-liter V6 only makes 230 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, while torque is actually higher than the Allure at 240 lb-ft, but you'll need to wind the engine up to another 400 rpm over GM's 3.6 to achieve maximum. This makes them equally tractable off the line during real world driving, with the edge given to Buick when revving the engine out while passing on the open highway.
