Test drive Honda Legend sedan 1996 - 2005 sedan

Honda Legend against Nissan Fuga, Toyota Crown Athlete, BMW 5-Series

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of probable competitors
Local vehicles differ from each other in their technical and exploring characteristics. But what model can adequately compete with Honda according to high -speed data?
I will immediately list those models that, from my point of view, can be considered the most popular elite sedans in Japan today. Of course, at the mention of this phrase, an elite sedan - you immediately imagine such machines as Toyota Crown Athlete, Nissan Fuga or BMW 5- Series. It is they who will consider them the most likely opponents of the Honda Legend car of interest to us.
According to its explicit indicators, the 300-horsepower engine that Legend is equipped is the most powerful among the models mentioned above. Although, frankly, when you press the gas pedal, you wait for the car to tear forward. But it was not there! Acceleration is so smooth that you even begin to doubt if you really have as many as 300 horses under your hood? However, the high class of the car speaks for itself. In fact, Legend is rapidly gaining acceleration, but does it so carefully that the driver sometimes just does not feel it. In the meantime, the speed can incredibly grow in just a few seconds. So you can be absolutely calm: the engine has a sufficient power reserve. At the same time, the driver will not experience any special excitement. And this is due to the fact that the transmission that transmits traction for all 4 wheels (4 WD) is supplemented by a system for redistributing the torque of the SH- AWD. So the matter is not only about the engine power - you still need to skillfully convey the developed traction to the wheels. In other words, this can be called a power that is aimed at increasing the quality of riding.
Nissan Fuga has engine power - 280 hp, and the driver feels this power constantly
Nissan Fuga really demonstrates a powerful move. Judging by the tactical and technical data of this machine, which are given in the catalog, the maximum developed power of its motor is 280 horsepower. But great power is not all. The fact is that handling is also important here. And since the Fuga has a drive on the rear wheels, the controllability is provided in its pure form. The car stands on wheels with a diameter of 19 inches, the profile ratio of which is 40. This, on the one hand, makes the move softer, and on the other hand, the suspension acquires properties that can be called sports. As a result of such a combination of the driver's sensation when recruiting, the speed of the engine comes to the forefront. Fuga is equipped with a system, thanks to which the rear wheels are chosen on corners, which largely explains the high degree of stability of the machine on winding tracks. At the same time, one cannot fail to notice that the suspension is quite actively transmitting to the body the blows arising from the contact of the wheels with the road.
In terms of price-quality balance, Toyota Crown is in the first place
The motto of the Crown family has currently been the assertion that his current representative (Crown Athlete, to be precise) is a machine created, as they say, from scratch. And we must admit that compared to predecessors, the current Crown has gained a lot of new advantages. At the same time, if you conduct a comparative analysis, then some negative points can be identified. For example, the driver’s place here turns out to be somewhat elevated, and from this position the review differs from how the same road is seen if the Nissan Fuga or BMW 5- Series is driving. Such changes can not always be evaluated positively.
And, nevertheless, the operation of the engine with the V-shaped arrangement of 6 cylinders along with the operation of the electric power amplifier differs in great smoothness and are perceived very positively. Of course, based on the fact that Crown Athlete belongs to the category of the so -called driver for the driver (Driver S Car), this feature does not cause too much complaints. Moreover, it was originally assumed that this model will be produced exclusively inside Japan and, therefore, will differ significantly from exporting cars. There are no words, if you take a combination of price and quality - no doubt, among all the above models, this machine is deservedly in the first place.
The most important competitor Legend is BMW 525i
Unlike cars of a similar class, the BMW 525 I is defiantly against the generally accepted trend and is in no hurry to switch to the equipment of engines with the V-shaped cylinders. Yes, indeed, the car is still equipped with a 6-cylinder engine, the cylinders in which are located vertically in a row. In terms of speed, in the way the driver feels an increase in engine speed, 525 I is very similar to Honda Legend. But the most important advantage of BMW models, of course, is acceleration. When the engine speed increases, all 6 of a number of located cylinders begin to make a very characteristic sound, which begins to spur the driver to perform high -speed exploits.
An active steering mechanism also deserves the same high rating, thanks to which you can dramatically change the direction of movement of the car with a small movement of the steering wheel. If you get used to it and get used to it, such a special work of steering will fully allow the car in a sports manner. At least, according to this indicator, the car, I think, will suit all connoisseurs of sports cars. 525 I is equipped with an automatic gearbox, but switching is very natural. At least, the speed set goes in strict accordance with the driver's plan. Thus, the likelihood is that of all the likely competitors of Legend this car is the most serious. Of course, someone may argue that it is too much to call BMW a strong competitor. In fact, the power of its motor is only 192 hp. But after all, the weight of the car is also much lower, right? And, therefore, controlled wheels have a different geometry. In fact, the 525 I 2500 cubes contained in the cylinders of the engine 525 I 2500 are quite equivalent to the 3rd or even 3.5 liters of Japanese models. After all, one cannot fail to take into account the fact that any BMW car is initially calculated taking into account the fact that it will have to drive in European autobahns. And such education is not in vain, I assure you!
Honda Legend overcomes turns like rails
While driving Legend and moving along the city streets, you can be sure that at the right time the car will sharply gain speed, and then it will also dump it quickly. Such a variable pace of movement is possible thanks to a powerful torque (36.0 kg/m). In addition, the speed change occurs without tangible strikes in the transmission, despite the fact that the car is equipped with a full -wheel drive system. But here I go to the high -speed auto track and begin to move with an average exploring speed. In this mode, the movement occurs mainly due to the front wheels. Nevertheless, at least 30% of the traction still enters the rear axle, so the car retains the previous stability.
At the same time, each sharp turn of the steering wheel and the subsequent change in the direction of movement instantly passes under the close control of the SH-AWD system. The torque transmitted to the front bridge is redistributed between the right and left wheel in an equal proportion, but as for the rear axle, here a greater force is transmitted to the wheel moving along the external trajectory. If necessary, the transmission number of the outer wheel can reach 100%. Thanks to this, even on the steep turns of the Hacoco mountain track, the machine remained stable, although the speed of turning the turns was very decent. Therefore, every time there was a feeling, as if Legend was turning, moving along the rails.
It should be noted that this time the weather was rainy, so I had to go down from the mountains along the damp asphalt. And, therefore, the probability of drift was rather great. However, the car felt like a fish in water - only water dust flew out from under the wheels. I must admit, I don’t remember that I experienced such confidence in the stealth of such a successful outcome of such a slalom in the rain behind the wheel of any other car. How much I already drive - and so it was for the first time! Yes, I forgot to say that the aforementioned SH - AWD system includes a special device that can accelerate the rotation of the rear wheels. Therefore, at a bend, they rotate about 5% faster than usual. This additional rotation largely determines the exact trajectory of movement on a winding road.
Compare the price
When analyzing prices for the first place, not Toyota Crown comes out at all, but Nissan Fuga
So, the elite sedan of Honda Legend, equipped with the latest technology, in particular the SH- AWD system, is 5.250.000 yen in Japan (about $ 50,000). Let me remind you that the machine is equipped with a 3.5-liter engine in combination with a 5-speed automatic gearbox. You can’t say anything, in comparison with the closest competitors, its price seems too high. On the other hand, is the SH-AWD system, thanks to which the machine has the same stability under any weather conditions, does not allow you to request a little more? Although you can’t convey the true value of this innovation in words - no one will understand until he tries!
 
Now let's take a look at the problem from the other side. The new Crown Athlete modification 3.0 G is equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission and costs 4.900,000 yen (about $ 46.500). The machine, I recall, is equipped with an engine, the operating volume of which is 500ss less than that of Legend. Take this difference, add a margin here for the brand - and now the higher cost of the car is quite explainable.
 
But the most indicative in this regard is Fuga. Look, its motor has the same 3500ss volume, the same 6-speed machine is installed on it. And what about the price? For Fuga sports equipment 350 G, 4.410,000 yen (about $ 42,000) should be laid out. If 19-inch wheels put on the car of the same modification, then it will look very sporty, I do not argue. So it is not at all surprising that Fuga is perceived more attractive in price not only compared to Legend, but even with Crown Athlete.
 
Now take the BMW 525 I. This machine is driven by an engine with a volume of 2500ss in combination with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. And at the same time, its price is 6.300.000 yen (about $ 60,000)! Yes, its engine can increase speed without interruptions up to a critical mark; Yes, it retains stability on steep turns. All this may well justify such a price. In addition, 525 I is not completely subordinated to the electronic control system, something remains at the discretion of the driver. The controllability of this BMW model is such that it provides the driver with the opportunity to fully use the advantages that the classic rear -wheel drive car has. But, for example, Legend has a pre-programmed lower power threshold (thanks for this SH-AWD system), so such a controllability machine is available for a larger circle of potential drivers.

By external signs, it seems to be competitors, but in fact all the cars are different
With the external similarity of Honda Legend and Toyota Crown, I think there is no and there can be no alternative in the full sense of the word in terms of choosing between them. Why do I dare to say this? Because each of these two cars is intended for a well -defined circle of drivers with their aspirations and habits.
I can’t guarantee with complete confidence that in practice there can be no situation where one or another buyer will have to choose one car from this pair. After all, even according to catcharified data, it is noticeable how different they are. I would raise the question a little differently: if it comes to someone else that all other options and choose these two sedans from the whole list, and then puzzle for a long time, which of them is better, then such a case can be considered with complete confidence atypical.
In fact, if you select an alternative option for Legend, then it is unlikely that Crown Athlete will be able to turn out to be. For example, because Toyota has not planned the release of this car with all -wheel drive. So it turns out that you have to choose not a car, but the type of drive. Well, if the buyer decided that he needed a four -wheel drive, then the dilemma will arise: take Legend or Fuga 350 G, which is also equipped with a 4 WD system? So, the Honda car competes with the Nissan brand machine, but not Toyota at all! Or imagine that a sports type of machine is selected. Here you can also argue and choose for a long time, but not on the principle of Honda against Toyota. There is no and not again, because in terms of sports, Honda cars can compete and, so it happened, Nissan. True, there is one nuance: the price of the Nissan Fuga 350 G is 4.200,000 yen (about $ 40,000), that is, it is somewhat cheaper than Legend. This is not to say that this modification of Fuga is fully equipped as a sports model, but against the background of its monoprodal brother (that is, the Nissan Fuga 350 GT), it is much cheaper!
And if you compare Legend with the BMW 525 I, but this time according to exploring indicators? Indeed, in this regard, they are very close to each other, but only Legend for 1.050,000 yen ($ 10,000) is cheaper than its German opponent. Add here the difference in the amount of exploring expenses. What will happen? It turns out that the price of Legend is the most complete completeness is almost equal to the cost of the BMW body alone! However, such a price difference for the owner may not be such a significant factor. Why do I think so? Because those drivers who, buying a car, think not so much about the machine itself as about its prestige, of course, they will not stop the need to overpay some amount for the opportunity to boast of the new BMW.
So, the confrontation of Honda Legend and BMW 525 I, if it can be considered serious, then only for reasons that have a very distant attitude towards the cars themselves. True, I have to make a reservation: it is only about competition in the domestic Japanese market! If, for example, we will go to North America and undertake to evaluate Legend's competitiveness there (I remind you that in America it is sold under the Acura brand), then this will be a completely different conversation.
Trude trip driving Honda Legend
I highly recommend a car painted inside in all black!
Since I am a big fan of Honda brand cars, it was not difficult for me to immediately understand that Legend handling can most well be appreciated on difficult roads. Moreover, the more difficult, the better! Previously, you need to pay tribute to the SH-AWD system.
So, despite the fact that the car is driven in all -wheel drive mode, this does not affect the operation of the steering mechanism, nor on the inhibitory effect on a winding road. As you know, the subjective sense of controllability of the car with front -wheel drive is not at all what the driver at the wheel of the rear -wheel drive car feels. I drove about 500 km by car, and until the very last meter of the journey I did not feel tired of being behind the wheel - so the car was comfortable. Frankly, I did not even expect that someday I could experience such a unity of a driver with a car in an elite sedan.
By the way, to some extent, Bose's beautiful audio columns helped me relax.
This is not to say that this is of decisive importance in terms of the running qualities of the machine, but as for the commodity type, this is undoubtedly important: the 6-speed automatic gearbox in the Legend salon looks much more attractive than in competitors. Particular attention should be paid to the fact that it was possible to control the gear shift without releasing the steering wheel from the hands, since the necessary buttons are carried directly onto the steering wheel. Click the button on the right - the increased speed will turn on, click on the left go to a low gear. Everything is simple and clear! True, rotating the steering wheel at the bend, it is difficult to coordinate your actions and switch in time. But this, I believe, will pass over time.
I believe, however, that it would be more rational to take to the steering column and the combined switch of rotation indicators and wipers. It should also be noted that for Legend there are three options for color design of the cabin. But in terms of enhancing the qualitative perception of the front panel, the beige version of the interior is in doubt. The gray color is not very practical, since the salon will always be perceived somewhat untidy. Or more: the site around the gearbox lever (there are a cigarette lighter and a glass for glasses) looks like in cheap cars. But if you choose the black color of the cabin, then all these shortcomings can be avoided.
 
 
Author: Kato Yukinaga (Kato Yukinaga)
November 2004

Source: Autogallerynet