What Are The Different Types Of Cars And The Difference Between Them

The world of cars keeps evolving as technological innovation gets better and finer. Ever since the first car was invented in the early 19th century, subsequent years have seen varying degrees of innovation and style in the way the car looks. Currently, there are hundreds of vehicle models from diverse car brands. The easiest way to differentiate between cars is by how it looks I.e the body style. What do you see when you first set eyes on a car? You need to be able to interpret accurately what your eyes are seeing, otherwise, you may have a hard time shopping for your next new car. With over 10 types of cars according to body style, it can be really confusing. People tend to call a sedan a coupe while they misplace a hatchback for an SUV etc. If you are confused about the different types of cars and the difference between them, carmart.ng is here to clear your confusion. Below is a list of the different types of cars we have today;

SEDAN

Sedans are the most popular car type in the world. They have a typical 3-body framework including a separate compartment for the engine, a cargo trunk, and a passenger cabin. They have four doors and generally have a sitting capacity of 5. Common examples of sedans include Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Malibu, BMW 5-Series, Toyota Camry etc.

COUPE

Many Nigerians particularly confuse a coupe for a sedan. While the coupe and sedan look-alike, a coupe is typically a two-door vehicle with a sloping roofline, unlike the sedan that has 4 doors. Coupes have limited spaces in the rear. Common examples of coupes include Ford Mustang, BMW 3 Series, Honda Civic Coupe etc.

CONVERTIBLE

Convertibles can easily be recognized by their obvious retractable roof. Major Nigerians ignorantly call these types of cars ‘open roofs’. But, officially they are called ‘Convertible’ or ‘Cabriolet’. The retractable roofs of convertibles can come in various forms including retractable hardtop or detachable hardtop, and folding textile roof. Common examples of convertibles include Jaguar XK, Porsche Boxster, Cadillac Eldorado etc.

HATCHBACK

Hatchbacks are typically taller than sedans. They have higher roofs and driving positions with more cargo space available. In hatchbacks, the rear cargo door swings up when it is opened. Coming examples of hatchbacks include Ford Focus, Ford Mini, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Polo GTI, Hyundai Grand i10 etc.

SUVs

SUVs are also known as Sports Utility Vehicle is a common car type, especially amongst Nigerian elites and families. This car type has a boxy shape, high ground clearance and is significantly taller than sedans with higher seating positions. Popular examples of SUVs include the Mitsubishi Montero, Mitsubishi Pajero, Range Rover, Jeep Cherokee, Ford Escape etc.

CROSSOVER

When you look at a crossover, you find a blend of the looks of a hatchback and an SUV. A crossover features larger wheels and increased ground clearance. Popular examples of crossovers include the Renault Captur, Acura MDX, Toyota RAV4 etc.

SPORTS CARS

Sports cars feature sleek, elegant, and hot-looking frames. They are often expensive, featuring enhanced performance, low-ground clearance, exquisite exterior and interior design; and packed with the latest technology and infotainment. Sports cars are often 2-door vehicles but some can be 4-door. They are often designed with minimal cargo space. Popular examples of sports cars include Lamborghini Urus, Ford Mustang, Aston Martin Vantage, Ferrari 488 GTB, Bugatti Veyron etc.

WAGONS

Wagons or station wagons are a smart blend of the body frame of a sedan and a hatchback. They have an extended roofline, larger cargo space as seen in hatchbacks and a comfortable cabin space as seen in sedans. They have a foldable rear seat to create room for more cargo and a rear door to allow easier loading and unloading of cargo. Common examples of wagons are Audi A4 Avant, Volkswagen Passat Wagon, Volvo XC70 etc.

TRUCKS

In Nigeria, trucks are often called pick-ups. Trucks are a category of light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles with open-to-air cargo space. Depending on the make and model, trucks can be 2-door or 4-door passenger cabins. These car types often come with an all-wheel drive to enable excellent off-road performance and towing capabilities. Common examples of trucks include Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota Hilux, Toyota Tacoma, Ford F-150, etc.

VANS/MINIVANS

Vans and minivans are typically made to carry both passenger and cargo efficiently. They are generally called Multi Utility Vehicles (MUV). They are often tall with sliding side doors for easy access of passengers and a rear hatch that opens to a large cargo area. Popular examples of vans/minivans include Volkswagen Type 2, Dodge Caravan, Renault Scenic, Toyota Sienna etc.

LIMOUSINE

Limousines are usually associated with luxury. They are typical for their extended lengths and the partition between the back and the front. Common types of limousines include stretch limo, limo bus etc.

MILITARY VEHICLE

Military vehicles are typical for their bold and fearsome looks. They are designed for combat and endurance to withstand bullets, missiles and other assaults.

MICRO CARS

Microcars are exceptionally small and inexpensive. These are four-wheel cars offering a seating capacity of two or four depending on the make and model.  Examples of a microcar are Tata Nano etc.

CONCLUSION

With the above differences amongst car types explained, we hope we have made your car shopping easier. Visit carmart.ng to buy and sell your car with ease now.