Archive for the ‘Compare Cars’ Category
Posted on: August 10, 2011 | In Compare Cars
Those that are looking for some type of vehicle that is going to be able to handle their load as well as be something that is attractive in how it looks are more than likely considering the SUV family. With that being said, there are tons of SUV's that are out there that the person can choose from. So much so that it can be a bit overwhelming to see just how many choices that the person has. Two of the choices that are out there for those that are wanting an SUV is the 2011 Subaru Tribeca and the 2011 Mazda CX7. For those that see these two SUV's side by side it is easy to see why they are so comparable since they have many of the same body style features that people like, with rounded front and back ends. However, there is much more to each of these SUV's that the person can base their decision on.
The Tribeca is going to come with a standard engine size of a 3.6 liter, 256 horsepower, H6. On the other hand, the CX7 is going to come with 2.5 liter, 161 horsepower, I4 engine. Of course, if the person is buying on power alone, then the Tribeca is the winner since it does offer so much more horsepower than the other SUV. However, due to the differences in power, they are having slightly different fuel mileage, which could be a sore point for many people. The Tribeca is said to get sixteen miles per gallon in the city while getting around twenty-one miles per gallon on the highway, which is not impressive by any means. While the CX7 is doing slightly better with 28 miles per gallon on the highway and 20 miles per gallon in the city. Based on gas mileage, the CX7 is the winning choice.
The Tribeca does weight around 1000 pounds more than the Mazda, which does suggest the reason as to why the SUV is not getting the gas mileage that most people would like to see. However, in terms of width, both SUV's are the exact same. The size of the Tribeca is slightly longer, which means that for those that are wanting maximum amount of room, they are going to find the Tribeca being the winning choice. And the Tribeca is slightly taller, which could be good news for those that are wanting ample amount of head room.
One of the biggest differences between the two is that the Tribeca is a four wheel drive vehicle, while the Mazda is a front wheel drive. For those that are planning to take their SUV off roading, then they are going to have more luck with the Tribeca than with the Mazda. However, for those that are simply planning to drive their crew around and so forth, the Mazda will fit their needs. So which of these SUV's are better? It is really a toss up and depends upon what the driver is going to need in a SUV. However, they are both great choices that are offering everything that he person is expecting from an SUV.
Posted on: August 8, 2011 | In Compare Cars
There are many cars that are coming out in 2012 that are meant to inspire and impress those that are wanting something that is different. Two of these new vehicles that are hitting the market is the 2012 Dodge Durango and the 2012 Cadillac Escalade. Both are SUV's that are gaining a lot of attention since they have had such well deserved reputations throughout the years that they have been produced. But, when comparing the two there is going to be a clear cut winner with each individual person, even though they may argue about which SUV is the best.
The 2012 Dodge Durango has received a new face lift, which is one of the reasons that so many people are interested in these types of SUV's. The new design is giving the Durango much better gas mileage since they are using a car frame instead of a truck frame. The use of the car frame is also making the turning radius and the overall riding a bit more gentler than it has been in the past, while still offering more room than a car will offer. The Escalade has also gotten some minor changes, the newer versions are going to be a bit shorter since they have tried to make sure that the gas mileage was improved and people were getting something that was not so stocky to drive.
In terms of engines, the Durango has three choices that people can choose from. One of the most popular is the 3.6 liter, V6 engine that is flexible fuel and offers 290 horsepower. It's popularity is due to the fact that it does offer the flexible fuel meaning the use of E85. However, to compete with this, the Escalade is offering only one engine that is flex fuel ready and this is the 6.2 liter, V8 engine that produces 403 horsepower. The other engines that are offered in the Durango are the 3.6 liter, V6 that is offered in regular gas, while they are also having the V8, 5.7 liter engine that produces 360 horsepower. In terms of power, the Escalade is beating the Durango, but the gas mileage of the two is very different, which could affect the decision. The Escalade is only getting around thirteen miles to the gallon in the city while offering around eighteen miles per gallon on the highway. Slightly better, the Durango offers approximately 18 miles per gallon in the city, while getting up to 23 miles per gallon on the highway.
The price of these two are very different and are on different ends of the spectrum. For those that are wanting something more affordable, then the Durango comes in at around $28,000 and goes upwards to $40,000 for different versions. The Escalade starts at around $59,000 and goes up to $77,000. Therefore, the Escalade is aiming for a very specific market, while the Durango is aiming for the average person that wants a quality SUV. Which is better? They are both offering some great things, however, due to the fact that they are priced so differently, they are just aiming at a different class, and everyone is going to have a different opinion about which is better.
Posted on: August 7, 2011 | In Compare Cars
For those that are on the market to buy a new truck, then they are going to find that there are several options to choose from this year. And they are going to find that these trucks are much more advanced than what they were years ago since they are now offering much better fuel mileage than they have ever offered before. With that being said, two of the main competitors for consumers business in the truck category is the GMC Sierra 1500 and the Ford F150. Both of these are offered in a variety of sizes, however, for most people the short bed style is something that they are finding fits their every need.
Fuel mileage is probably the first thing that comes to people's minds when they are considering a new vehicle, and most people are not disappointed by what these two trucks are offering. They are going to find that the GMC is going to get around fifteen miles per gallon in the city, while offering twenty miles per gallon on the highway. On the other hand, the Ford is going to get ten miles per gallon in the city, while only offering fifteen miles per gallon on the highway. In terms of gas mileage, most people are going to choose the GMC since they can get a small percentage more out of their fuel.
So just how well do these trucks do on the performance scale? The GMC truck offers a 4.3 liter, V6 engine for people to choose from as the standard engine. This engine gets around 195 horsepower, while also offering rear wheel drive. The Ford offers a standard engine of 5.4 liter, V8 engine that gets around 310 horsepower. And the best thing about the Ford is the fact that it is four wheel drive, which most people want in a good pick up truck. In terms of performance, the person is going to have more power with the Ford, but they are sacrificing fuel economy with this option.
The GMC is going to have seating for six, while the Ford is only going to have seating for five. However, the Ford offers a few more standard equipment such as a CD player, cruise control and power locks and windows. The GMC is a basic truck offering AM/FM radio and none of the bells and whistles that people may be wanting. As far as room in the interior that people are going to have with these trucks they are going to find that they are basically the same, only off by a tenth on most cases when measuring, thus this is not something that the person is going to have consider. So, which is the better truck?
For those that are just wanting a truck to drive back and forth somewhere, then they are going to find that the GMC is going to suffice. However, for those that are going to be doing some work with their truck, then they may find that the four wheel drive of the Ford is going to be best for them.
Posted on: August 5, 2011 | In Compare Cars
With so many new cars that are on the market right now, most people are not sure of just what they should be looking at. There are tons of cars that the person can choose from, however, one category of car that seems to be doing better than other types is the sedan market. There has never been more sedans on the market than what there is right now. And with that being said, a potential buyer is going to find that there are several different brands that they can choose from, such as Chevrolet, Ford, Volkswagen and many more. However, there are three cars that seem to be getting a lot of attention and these are the Chevrolet Impala, the Ford Fusion and the Volkswagen Passat. All three cars have many points about them that are great and some downfalls as well, making them a very hard choice for many buyers that are interested.
The Chevrolet Impala is one that has been a favorite among buyers for many years. However, it really came to be one of the best selling cars for Chevrolet with the changing body style that the car is now sporting. The new Impala has the sleek look about it that it gives it a more sporty appeal, though it is a sedan when people look at it they do not automatically think of carting kids around. Chevrolet made sure that the car could be used for many other purposes besides just carting kids around and so forth. Gas mileage wise, the car is getting what most people expect, with around twenty to thirty miles per gallon, depending on how the person drives.
The Ford Fusion is another sedan that people are considering, though it is slightly smaller than the Chevrolet Impala. It does have a new look to it that was a huge leap for Ford and one that paid off big time. Probably the biggest reason that so many people are considering this car is thanks to the gas mileage, which is around twenty to thirty miles per gallon once again dependent upon how the person drives. The looks of the car are a bit more sportier than other sedans that are on the market, which does help. But, the fact that the car does have a more luxurious appeal than other sedans is once again a reason why so many people are considering the car to have as their own.
The Volkswagen Passat is probably one of the most talked about sedans that are coming to the market. The reason for this is that this car is newly made in the United States, and the fact that the Passat use to belong to a different category of car and was enlarged to give buyers what they are really wanting. The Passat is said to get around twenty to forty-three miles per gallon, which is very impressive for a sedan, and is one of the biggest reasons so many people consider this car. Add into the fact that the Passat is simply a bigger version of the once small car that people love, then it is a no brainer for many people. Overall, all three sedans have things that they are going to bring to the table for buyers, and each buyer must do their research in order to know, which is best for them.
Posted on: June 16, 2011 | In Compare Cars
These two cars seem to be the greatest competition in the hybrid market right now since they are both some of the newest technology that is being offered from either company. However, how do they stake up against one another. There are many things to take into consideration when trying to choose a favorite between the two.
Engine and Horsepower
The Nissan Leaf is a fully electric car that is running on no gasoline whatsoever. Thus, the engine size is really not a detail that the person is going to have to spend time on when they are choosing this car. However, in terms of horsepower, the Leaf is going to put out around 107, which the person needs to consider, is on battery alone.
The Chevrolet Volt works on battery power for a short amount of time and then relies on a gasoline engine to do the rest of the work. In terms of horsepower, the Volt is going to put out around 149. So in terms of power, the Volt is going to out do the Leaf on any day.
Charging Time
Since both cars are going to rely on a battery at some point while being driven, or during the whole trip in the case of the Leaf, it is important to know about the charging of the batteries in each of these vehicles. For those that have a Leaf, then they are going to find that to get a full charge at home, they are going to see the car plugged up for around four to eight hours. Of course, using higher powered units, the charging time is going to be less. But how far can you go on this charge? Most estimates have the Leaf going around one hundred miles on a fully charged battery.
The Volt's battery is going to take around three hours at home to fully charge. However, it works very differently from the Leaf. The battery is going to work for around forty miles, then the gasoline engine is going to take over for the Volt. In terms of charging time, the Volt is going to give less time, but not half as many miles as the Leaf is going to give the driver.
Size
Both cars are ultimately about the same size, they are going to haul four adults. Though, those people that are located in the back of the car are not going to have a very cozy trip since the leg room and head room is a bit diminished. Otherwise, the person is going to find that they are typical cars in what they have to offer.
Conclusion
Which is the best car to own? For those that are making short trips to and from their job or have another car to rely on, then the Leaf is going to complexly eliminate the need to stop at the pump, which could save you even more money. However, for those that are wanting something that is just easier on gas since they travel more than one hundred miles per day, the Volt is going to be the choice to make.
Posted on: April 12, 2011 | In Compare Cars
2011 Luxury Sedans: Audi A4 vs. BMW 3-Series
Both the Audi A4 and the BMW 3-Series are two of the most well respected luxury sedans that can be found on the market. However, when they are compared against one another, the person is going to find that there is a big winner in the game of luxury sedans.
Performance
Performance wise, the Audi A4 offers a 2.0 liter, 4 cylinder engine that gets around 211 horsepower. The gas mileage is going to be around 23 miles per gallon in the city, while offering 30 miles per gallon on the highway.
The BMW 3-Series offers two options in the engines that are going to give the person the choice of 230 horsepower or 265 horsepower. Gas mileage wise the cars are both offering around 17 miles per gallon in the city while offering 25 or 26 miles per gallon on the highway. When buying for performance, the BMW 3-Series is going to perform much better and may be the winner. However, in terms of gas mileage, then the Audi A4 is the winner.
Safety
Both cars are known to be some of the safest that are on the market given the sturdy materials that the two are made out of. The Audi A4 offers traction control, anti lock brakes, curtain air bags, and blind spot warning system. When tested, the car receives five stars for overall safety.
The BMW 3-Series offers the traction control, curtain air bags, anti lock brakes and other standard equipment. However, with the new technology, BMW has been able to improve the braking performance of the BMW 3-Series which does it give it a slight advantage of the Audi A4. Testing wise, the car receives four stars for front protection while getting five stars for side protection.
Design
The two are designed to be completely different. And those that have seen these cars can usually immediately tell a huge difference between the two and know just which one that they are looking at. The Audi A4 has many features that people are going to find to be a great design. For example, the trunk space of the Audi A4 is one of the biggest that the person is going to find in the luxury sedan market. The interior is very much futuristic in the fact that most of the features are push button operated, which is sometimes a turn off to those that are looking at this. The cabin is nice with standard leather seating included in these cars.
The BMW 3-Series is going to be one of the most comfortable drive for those that are looking for comfort. BMW really designed the cabin to be the one that is going to help the driver out tremendously. The truck size is just average, nothing too spectacular. The driver interface system is one of those systems that are meant to help the driver, however, it is the one thing that many consumers are still not sure that they like or not.
Overall when comparing these two, the winner seems to be the Audi A4, and simply because it provides more room and the consumers reviews on the Audi A4 are not as conflicted as the reviews on the BMW 3-Series.
Posted on: April 10, 2011 | In Compare Cars
The SUV is a vehicle that those with huge families want to have in order to transport everyone with ease. However, the older SUV's that people had to choose from were far from what they really wanted since they drove like trucks and were just on the bulk side. However, the new Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse are two of the SUV's that are changing the SUV market for the better.
Performance
Performance wise those that are looking at the 2011 Ford Explorer are going to find that they are going to be more than satisfied. There are two options with the Ford Explorer. One is the regular 3.5 liter V6 engine that gives off around 290 horsepower. However, the version that has most people talking about is the 2.0 liter, 4 cylinder EcoBoost that is putting off around 237 horsepower. The reason for the interest is the fact that this is encouraging drivers to get even more gas mileage which is something most people want in a vehicle. Gas mileage wise the person can expect on average 17 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the highway.
The Chevrolet Traverse is going to offer only one engine that is available to people. This is the 3.6 liter, V6 engine that produces around 281 horsepower. If choosing based on performance, then most people are going to like the offerings of the Ford Explorer much better. Gas mileage is around 17 miles per gallon in the city and around 25 miles per gallon on the highway.
Technology Offered
The technology in the Ford Explorer is something that is going to have most people drooling as they take in what they are seeing. For one, the new MyFord touch is included in the vehicle. As well as some very neat systems, such as the Terrain Management System. This is going to allow the person to adjust the settings to the terrain that they are driving on in order to get better performance from the vehicle. Something that most people have never even dreamed of having in a SUV.
The Traverse on the other hand is not going to come near to having the same amount of technology that is put into the Explorer. In fact, the technology portion of the Traverse seems to be a bit forgotten as it is simply an SUV for people to drive. Those that are wanting cutting edge, are going to want to look at the Explorer. However, for those that are just wanting dependability, without all the bells and whistles, then the Traverse is going to be the choice to make.
Safety
Probably one of the biggest things that the Explorer has going for it is the safety ratings that the SUV has received. The SUV did get excellent ratings and even received an award for its safety features. These safety features include the standard equipment that most people are wanting. While also introducing inflatable rear seatbelts, trailer controls for when hauling things and the collision warning system.
The Traverse is including the normal safety standards that include anti lock brakes and air bags. Though it does not offer all the systems and technology as the Explorer, it is still one that interests most people.
Posted on: April 8, 2011 | In Compare Cars
For those parents out there that have sons or daughters that are getting ready to drive, then they are more than likely worried about finding a new car that is going to be safe and one that is not going to break the bank. Plus, parents are wanting something that is easy on gas since most teenagers are working part-time jobs and simply cannot afford to fuel a gas guzzler. There are two cars that most professionals are recommending to those parents when it comes to finding the first car for your son or daughter, and this is the 2011 Kia Soul and the 2011 Ford Fiesta.
Gas Mileage
In the city, the Kia Soul is going to get around 24 to 26 miles per gallon, while offering 30 to 31 miles per gallon on the highway. The Ford Fiesta is going to get around 28 or 29 miles per gallon in the city, while offering 37 to 40 miles per gallon on the highway.
Engines and Transmissions
The Kia Soul is offering I-4 engines, with the choice of the 1.6 liter that offers 122 horsepower or the 2.0 liter that offers 142 horsepower. Transmission wise, people are going to get the choice of a four speed automatic or a five speed manual, both with overdrive capabilities.
The Ford Fiesta offers one type of engine, which is the I4, 1.6 liter that gets around 120 horsepower. They are offering two options in regard to transmissions, the first being a five speed manual, and the second being a six speed auto shift manual transmission both with overdrive capacities.
Safety
The Kia Soul is one option that is racking up the approval from both professionals and parents because of the safety features that are on the Soul. These include:
* Side curtain air bags
* Side impact air bags in the front
* Electronic stability program
* Head restraints for front seat
* Anti lock brakes
The Ford Fiesta has the following safety features:
* Seven air bags, dual stage front, seat mounted side impact, curtain air bags, and a drivers knee bags
*Anti lock brakes
* Electronic Stability Program
What Parents Will Like
Parents are going to like the safety features of the car, as well as the price tag. The price for these are around $13,000 for the base model, with $19,000 being the top of the line model of the Soul. Parents are also going to like the fact that the warranty on these are some of the best in the business since it is the regular Kia warranty.
Parents are going to love the price with a price range of $13,000 up to $17,500, the parents are going to be getting a great deal on the Fiesta. In addition, they are going to like the safety features of the car so that they know that their children are safe while driving.
What Kids Will Like
For those teenagers that get the Soul for their first car, they are going to like the high performance stereo that is installed on these vehicles. They are also going to like the fact that the style is young and hip, with colors of these available that speak to the young that drive them.
Kids will like the Fiesta style, with a sedan and a popular hatchback available, they have their choices cut out from them. They are also going to like the fact that the Fiesta is simply a fun car to have and drive.
Conclusion
Both the Kia Soul and Ford Fiesta are going to be cars that the teenagers love to drive and that the parents can feel comfortably in buying for the child. The choice comes down to the amount that the parents want to spend and which is most comfortable for the driver.
Posted on: April 6, 2011 | In Compare Cars
For those that are in the market to buy an off road vehicle, they have several to choose from. However, two of these vehicles that are really making heads turn is the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2011 Jeep Wrangler. Both of which are offered by Chrysler, however, they are competing head to head for consumers attention.
Gas Mileage
The 2011 Jeep Wrangler is going to give consumers 15 miles per gallon in the city, while offering 19 miles per gallon on the highway. The Jeep Cherokee is offering 13 to 16 miles per gallon in the city, while offering 19 to 23 miles per gallon on the highway.
Engine and Transmission Choices
With the 2011 Jeep Wrangler there is only one engine choice and this is the V6 engine that is a 3.8 liter that produces 202 horsepower. In terms of transmissions, there are two choices, a four speed automatic and a six speed manual transmission. The base model includes the automatic transmission.
The Cherokee is coming in two engine options. The first is a 3.6 liter, V6 that offers 290 horsepower. While the second is a V8, 5.7 liter engine that offers 360 horsepower. Transmissions wise, the person gets to choose between a five speed automatic or a five speed multi-speed automatic that both offer overdrive.
Pros of Each Vehicle
One of the biggest advantages of the Jeep Wrangler is the fact that the interior is made to where people can take a water hose and simply spray the area down in order to clean it. This is great for those that do a lot of outdoors activities, such as mudding. The off road capabilities of the Wrangler is also something that has impressed those that have driven and reviewed the car in the professional world. There are always numerous points given to the vehicle for the rugged styling of the Wrangler that makes it look ready to take on anything that comes its way.
The biggest pro of the Cherokee is that it has been given high safety ratings. In addition, people like that the interior is more spacious than what it has been in the past. The ride is one that is comfortable thanks to seats that are designed for comfort. In addition, the off road capability is something that most people are talking about and praising.
Cons of Each Vehicle
The ride quality of the Wrangler is not as great as people would have hoped. However, this is an off roading vehicle, thus the ride quality is much like what people would expect with such a vehicle. Other people reported that the interior was not completely silent while driving on the highway which did hinder conversations that occurred in the cab. Another big turn off for those that are in the auto world is the fact that the side air bags on the Wrangler are not standard and are instead a special order item.
The downside of the Cherokee is that for those that are wanting this vehicle for off roading they are going to want to go with the V8 engine since the V6 does not perform as well as people would have hoped. In addition, professionals in the market point out that the cargo floor is a bit higher than they would have liked.
Conclusion
Both the Wrangler and the Jeep are two vehicles that are being seriously considered by consumers for their off roading capabilities. The choice between the two really depends on the size that the person wants and so forth.
Posted on: April 4, 2011 | In Compare Cars
For those with small families, they are more than likely looking for a small sedan that is going to provide them with solid performance, but still be something that they are proud to be seen in. There are two cars that most people are looking at in the small sedan class and this is the 2011 Hyundai Sonata and the Toyota Camry. Both of these are cars that are costing around the same amount with $20,000 be the round amount. However, aside from this, people are wanting to know what is defining these two cars so that they can choose the best for their family
Gas Mileage
The Toyota Camry is posting gas mileage results that are impressive by most people's standards. The car is getting 20 to 22 miles per gallon in the city, while getting as much as 29 to 33 miles per gallon on the highway, depending upon which engine that the person chooses in the 2011 Camry.
The Hyundai Sonata gets around 22 to 24 miles per gallon in the city, while getting around 33 to 35 miles per gallon on the highway. Slightly higher than what the Camry offers.
Engine Choices
The Toyota Camry is going to have three engine choices for 2011, these include:
* 2.5 Liter I-4 that gets around 169 horsepower
* 2.5 liter I-4 that gets around 179 horsepower
* 3.5 liter V6 that gets 268 horsepower
All of these will use regular unleaded fuel in order to run.
The Hyundai Sonata is offering four engine choices. All of which are I-4 options with an option of a 2.4 liter or 2.0 liter. They are also getting various degrees of horsepower, ranging from 190 up to 274 horsepower.
What Professionals in the Market Liked
The Camry has seen its ups and downs in the market for the past two years, however, there are several aspects about the 2011 Camry that professional in the auto market really liked about the car. For one, the car did receive some very high safety ratings and proved to be very good in the crash testing that was performed on the vehicle. Professionals also liked that the car ride was quiet in the cabin, which is something that other cars cannot accomplish.
Professionals in the market liked the new styling of the Sonata that is giving it an even more luxurious look than what most are expected. They also liked the gas mileage that the car gets, putting it at the top of the list for most people doing their research. The large trunk was also a huge hit for those that were rating the car.
What Professionals in the Market Did Not Like
The Toyota Camry did have a few problems that professionals were a bit unhappy with about the car. For starters, the handling was not what they were expecting and they found it to be a bit stiff. In addition, the seat does not seem to fold down which was a favorite attribute of those Camry's in the past.
The one thing that people did not like about the Sonata was the fact that the roof line of the car makes the backseat a bit more snug than most people would like. They also pointed out that some of the interior materials look a bit more cheap than what they would have liked.
Conclusion
When it comes to the small sedan market, people have many choices. However, these two are going to be ones that people should put at the top of the list in order to get the most bang for their buck.
