2010 Mazda 6 vs 2010 Toyota Camry

2010 Mazda 6

The 2010 Mazda 6, the second generation of this sporty car, got bigger in size as well as power. In fact, this Mazda 6 was specifically designed for North American roads, while a smaller version of the Mazda 6 is still sold overseas.  Launched in mid-2008, grows in every key dimension and features larger engines as well.

Mazda 6 Power and Handling

Engines for the Mazda 6 include a new 170 horsepower 2.5 liter inline-four and the corporate 3.7 liter V6 borrowed from the CX-9 SUV assembly line - producing 272 horsepower, up from 2.3 liters and 156 horsepower from the previous model. Transmissions for the four-cylinder model include a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. The V6 puts power down exclusively via a six-speed automatic, unlike the standard five-speed stick in the last generation's V6 trims. This Mazda model sprints 0 to 60 in 8.0 seconds, the quarter-mile in 16.1 at 88 mph. Pretty fast for this class. The Mazda 6's freeway ride is good, but can be harsh on patchy pavement. Its suspension tuning was is sporty and the increase in size doesn't seem to effect the zoom zoom power of the 2010 Mazda 6.

2010 Mazda 6 Design

The Mazda6 is available in two basic trim levels: Mazda6 i and Mazda6 s. The Mazda6 i is available in SV, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels while the Mazda6 s is available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. The Mazda 6 only comes as a sedan, despite the fastback roofline.  In the rear, the new Mazda 6 gets different taillights and a new location of the third brake-light. The license plate moves up in the U.S. version, exhaust tips look sportier and the Mazda emblem shrinks slightly.

Inside the Mazda 6

The Mazda's interior design is clean and elegantly simple, enhanced by quality materials, although the flimsy inside rearview mirror is out of step on this score. While the seats could be a little more bolstered, the Mazda 6 gets an adjustable headlight option.

2010 Toyota Camry

For 2010, the Toyota Camry gets a number of mechanical and styling tweaks as part of a mid-cycle update. Its four-cylinder drivetrain is larger, and the Camry is updated with the latest safety technology. Design wise, it is now easier to differentiate it form the Hybrid Camry. 

2010 Camry Power and Handling

For power on this Camry model a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder is standard; it gets 169 horsepower, except for the SE which is tuned for 179 hp. The updated engine uses a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, combinations that yield gas mileage improvements of 1 to 2 mpg.

Toyota Camry Design

Trim levels include the base model as well as the LE, sport-tuned SE and upscale XLE.  Base and LE models have steel wheels with plastic covers, while the XLE gets 16-inch alloy wheels. The Camry SE has 17-inch wheels, a mesh-like grille and additional lower body cladding. The 2010 Camry looks very similar on the outside from the previous model.  However it does have shapelier crossbars on its grille and a more defined air dam across the bumper. The only change on the rear of the car is the white taillight strips have been moved a few inches down.

Inside the Camry

For 2010 a new optional stereo has USB compatibility for enhanced integration with iPods and other MP3 players and express up/down operation for all windows is now standard. On the upper level trims, the cabin gets features such as leather upholstery, heated power seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and a navigation system.
Standard safety features include four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, side curtain airbags, side-impact airbags for the front seats, dual front airbags and a driver's knee airbag. Traction control and an electronic stability system - previously optional - are also standard.



Conclusions

The Mazda 6 and the Toyota Camry for 2010 are both capable sedans with excellent reliability, driving power, and handling.  But when it comes to styling, the Mazda 6 beats out the class. The Mazda 6 has only gotten better since its introduction and follows the Mazda 'Zoom Zoom' philosophy closely.  Overall, it is simply a fun vehicle to drive.  The Camry is a trademark sedan that is know for reliability and has earned its reputation well.  The is even a hybrid powertrain option for those looking to get better mileage. The Camry gets an EPA fuel economy of 22 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The 2010 Mazda 6 gets 21/30 mpg city/highway.The Toyota Camry has an MSRP of $19,395 - $29,045, while the 2010 Mazda 6 is a bit lower priced and starts at $18,450 - $28,390.