In this blog post, we will learn how to choose a good car based on various specifications such as fuel economy, height, wheelbase, and wheelbase.
I used to have no interest or knowledge about cars. The only things I knew about cars from my friends were the prices and fuel efficiency of cars such as Lamborghini and Mercedes-Benz, or things related to driving and style. When I searched for information about cars or visited car shows, it was easy to find information about manufacturers, prices, and fuel efficiency, but it was not easy to find information about the general characteristics of cars.
In fact, cars are more than just a means of transportation. They are not only an important means of transportation in modern society, but also items that reflect personal tastes and lifestyles. When choosing a car, it is necessary to consider not only performance and price, but also various other factors such as design, brand image, and environmental friendliness. For example, the increasing popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles shows how important environmental friendliness is when choosing a car.
In this regard, I felt the need to compare the pros and cons of the basic features and performance of cars, and decided to write about the most basic common knowledge about cars. When purchasing a car, the most important factors are probably the opinions of others, the type of car, and the price. This can be easily confirmed by searching for cars on a portal site. For example, when searching for cars on Naver, the manufacturer and price range are the top categories. However, these criteria are subjective and vary from person to person. This article will discuss objective criteria based on the appearance and performance, such as fuel efficiency, of each car.
A specification table is a list of the size and performance characteristics of a car, and this article will explain the criteria for evaluating cars based on the information typically found in specification tables. Among the information listed in the specifications table, this article will focus on the vehicle height, wheelbase, tread, minimum ground clearance, fuel economy, top speed, maximum output, and maximum power engine. These figures will be examined mainly from the perspective of stability.
First is the vehicle height. Height is closely related to the performance of a car. On the one hand, a higher height has the advantage of providing more interior space and a wider field of vision, but on the other hand, it raises the car’s centre of gravity, which can reduce stability when driving. For this reason, sports cars, which are designed to travel at high speeds, are characterised by their low body height. When the body is low, the centre of gravity is closer to the ground, which reduces the torque and improves stability.
Next is the wheelbase. The wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear wheels. Generally, the longer the distance between the front and rear wheels, the better the ride quality of the vehicle. This is similar to how a longer seesaw moves less than a shorter one. A longer seesaw moves less than a shorter seesaw when they move the same height. In other words, a longer wheelbase has the advantage of reducing the amount of body shake when passing over road obstacles such as speed bumps. On the other hand, the disadvantage is that it requires more space when turning, which reduces agility.
The wheelbase refers to the distance between the left and right wheels. This is the opposite of the wheelbase mentioned above. The greater the distance between the left and right wheels, the safer the car is when moving. This is the same principle as the wheelbase mentioned above, but to explain it more simply, it is the same principle as standing with your feet wide apart rather than close together, which gives you a greater sense of stability. Therefore, on a curve where the car tends to lean to the left or right, a wider tread will help maintain the stability of the vehicle.
Next, the minimum ground clearance can usually be found in the exterior dimensions, and refers to the distance between the lowest part of the vehicle, excluding the wheels, and the ground. A low ground clearance lowers the centre of gravity of the car, which improves driving stability, but the bottom of the car is more susceptible to damage when driving on uneven roads, especially unpaved roads. Therefore, jeep-type passenger cars, which often drive on unpaved roads, have a higher ground clearance than ordinary passenger cars.
Fuel efficiency refers to how far a vehicle can travel on 1 litre of fuel. Static fuel efficiency is used for trucks and buses, while urban fuel efficiency is used for passenger cars. Static fuel efficiency is calculated based on how far a vehicle can travel on 1 litre of fuel while driving at 60 km/h on a paved road. Urban fuel efficiency is calculated based on various scenarios. It refers to the average distance travelled per litre of fuel when a vehicle is driven in the city under certain conditions, such as stopping, starting, accelerating, decelerating, and driving slowly, according to a set programme. Most cars have an energy rating label, similar to those found on home appliances, which can be used for reference.
The maximum speed is the fastest speed at which a car can travel steadily on a flat road. With sports and leisure vehicles gradually gaining popularity, the speed of cars has become an important factor. However, this does not include the speed that a car temporarily reaches when coasting downhill.
Maximum output refers to the maximum power produced by an engine when under maximum load. It is a common term used to describe engine performance and is measured in horsepower (hp) per minute (rpm). The higher the horsepower, the more powerful the engine.
In this way, we looked at how to analyse the basic characteristics of a car based on the specifications listed in the specifications table. Of course, this information may not be very helpful for the average person when purchasing a car, but if you have this basic knowledge, you will be able to roughly infer the advantages and disadvantages of a car when you see a train, bumper, racing car, or other type of vehicle, and it will be good practice in thinking about physics.
Choosing a car is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. Therefore, once you have acquired this basic knowledge, it will be very helpful in choosing a car that suits you, rather than simply basing your decision on appearance or price. It is also important to consider environmental factors and your lifestyle when choosing a car model. For example, if you frequently drive long distances, it may be more economical to choose a car with good fuel economy, and if you have a large family, an SUV with a spacious interior may be more suitable. By considering all of these factors, you will be able to choose a car that is more satisfying.
