Understanding Vehicle Specs

Common Car Specs Explained

When you’re ready to purchase a car, you first need to understand specific terms about a vehicle so you can ensure that the vehicle meets your needs. For example, you’ll want to clearly understand what MPG, torque, and horsepower are; this can be extremely beneficial information when deciding on a vehicle. Depending on the type of vehicle you want, certain specs will be more significant than others, so here is a guide to some of the most important specs in a vehicle.

Commuter Vehicle Specs to Consider

If your daily drive to and from work is longer than others, you’ll want a vehicle that meets your unique needs. Features that make connectivity easier may be more important to you to make your drive more comfortable and have modern features in your vehicle. Having a longer commute means you’ll want better gas mileage. The type of vehicle you drive impacts is also important to know, so if you drive a gas-powered vehicle, it will be measured in MPG (miles per gallon), but if you drive an electric vehicle (EV), then it will be measured in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). Each vehicle measures fuel efficiency differently:

• MPG – The vehicle measures fuel efficiency based on the number of miles you travel.
• MPGe – An EV measures the amount of energy a vehicle has to travel.

Performance Vehicle Specs to Know

If you’re looking for a vehicle with high-performance ratings, you’ll want to understand what is going on under the hood fully. Factors like how easily your vehicle can pass another vehicle or merge onto the highway should be considered when deciding on a vehicle. If you want a more powerful engine, you’ll want to understand the terminology of the engine, so here are some important specs that can help you find a vehicle that meets your needs.

• Engine Size – The number of cylinders an engine has determines the amount of power in the engine, so the more cylinders, the more power the engine has.
• Automatic Transmission – An automatic transmission is when your vehicle automatically and smoothly switches between gears.
• Engine Type – Knowing the type of fuel your engine takes is also important to know. For example, is your engine a gas, electric, or diesel?
• Horsepower – The horsepower is measured by the amount of energy your vehicle produces.
• Zero-60 – The amount of time it takes your vehicle to reach 60 miles per hour from a dead stop.
• Manual Transmission – A manual transmission requires manual power to switch between gears, typically done using a stick and clutch.
• Agility – This is factored by how well your vehicle can handle curves and how easily the vehicle can maneuver tight places.
• Torque – The torque is the amount of turning or twisting force that a vehicle’s engine produces.

Off-Road Vehicle Specs to Consider

If you’re an off-road type of person and prefer the beaten path, then these terms can help determine how far you can travel and what your vehicle is capable of.

• Approach Angle – This is the maximum angle your vehicle can ascend and descend without the bumper scraping the ground. Higher angles mean you climb steeper obstacles.
• Departure Angle – This is the maximum angle your vehicle can safely maneuver an obstacle or slope without the rear bumper scraping.
• Drivetrain:
  • RWD (Rear Wheel Drive) – The power is sent to the rear wheels, which is ideal for high-performance vehicles.
  • AWD (All Wheel Drive) – Each wheel receives the same amount of power to increase traction on rough terrain.
  • FWD (Front Wheel Drive) – The front wheels receive all the power.
• Ground Clearance – The distance between the lowest point of your vehicle and the ground.
• Axle Articulation – The amount of movement your axle has to move up and down.

Truck Specs to Consider

If you need a work truck to tow heavy cargo or you need a truck to haul your family’s camper, then you’ll need to understand these terms:

• Payload – This is the maximum weight your vehicle can effectively carry, including cargo and passengers in the bed and cabin.
• Cab Size – The cab size determines the amount of space available; the bigger the cab, the more space will be available.
• Towing Capacity – The maximum amount your vehicle can tow from behind.
• Curb Weight – How heavy your vehicle is when empty.

Now that you have a better understanding of a vehicle’s various specs, you can make a more informed decision on the type of vehicle you want. Stop by the Limbaugh Toyota dealership, and our team can help you find the vehicle that meets your needs.