The Chrysler 200 is out to show the public that following the herd isn’t a good thing. When compared to the Toyota Camry, the Chrysler 200 proves it’s a far better value, one feature at a time.
Keep More Cash to Yourself
Starting at an MSRP of $18,995, the Chrysler 200 LX is a whopping $3,060 less than the $22,055 MSRP on a base 2012 Toyota Camry L. That number balloons to $7,475 when the Camry is comparably equipped with the well-endowed 200. The 200 LX comes standard with air conditioning, a 60/40-split/folding rear seat and a four-speaker audio system. In fact, the 200 LX comes with some standard equipment that you won’t find on a Camry L, including premium cloth seating, driver’s seat lumbar support, door trim inserts, front and rear carpeted floor mats, illuminated entry, steering wheel audio controls and remote keyless entry.
Design
For all that extra money, you would think that the Camry would be far better looking than the 200. A recent Car and Driver review noted,“This Camry is no stunner … if a bit slab-sided and shovel-nosed”. On the other hand, the 200 scores big from nearly everyone in the design department. In fact, U.S. News rated the exterior an 8.4 (out of 10), compared to a 6.8 for the Camry. The 200 also comes standard with 17-inch wheels compared to the 16-inchers that come standard on the Camry. Furthermore, only the 200 has standard delay-off headlights, classy LED brake lights and heated exterior mirrors.
A Truly Powerful Powertrain
Both the 200 and the Camry will get you to your destination with solid fuel economy and a pleasant ride. The 200 LX comes standard with a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine that puts out 173 hp and 166 lb/ft of torque, compared to the 178 hp and 170 lb/ft of torque that the 2.5-liter mill in the Camry L produces. If you demand more power, opt for the Chrysler 200 with the available 3.6-liter V6 that produces a best-in-class 283 hp and 260 lb/ft of torque. The V6 found on the Camry only offers 268 hp and 248 lb/ft of torque.
Interior Comfort
Nobody wants to feel cramped on a long trip. Longer, wider and taller than the Camry, the Chrysler 200 offers its occupants more front and rear headroom and front legroom. When you compare the upper trim levels of both models, you see a common theme of Chrysler giving you more. The 200 Limited comes standard with luxurious leather upholstery and heated front seats, while the Camry XLE, although more expensive, has neither.
Safety and Warranty
While both cars were named a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, only the 200 comes standard with a security system and panic alarm. For the ultimate in peace of mind, the Chrysler 200 comes standard with a five-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty – 40,000 more miles of coverage than offered by the Camry; the 200 offers buyers a full year of extra roadside assistance, as well.
Why would you pay more to get less? The 2012 Chrysler 200 is challenging the midsize segment by providing buyers more for thousands less. Contact us today to schedule a test drive of any of the Chrysler 200 models.
