Automobile knowledge

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Car parameters

Summarize the ten key parameters of the car to better understand the vehicle’s performance.

1. Displacement

  • Key points: Displacement refers to the total volume of all cylinders in an engine, measured in liters (L). For example, if a four-cylinder engine has each cylinder with a displacement of 0.4 liters, the total displacement would be 1.6 liters. The larger the displacement, the stronger the power; however, fuel consumption is also higher.
  • Turbocharging (T): Engines with “T” designation increase power through turbocharging. A 1.5T engine can match the performance of a 1.8L-2.2L naturally aspirated engine, with an increase of approximately 20%-50%.
  • Note: Although turbocharging provides strong power, it may have turbo lag (slower response at low RPMs), and the maintenance cost may be higher than that of naturally aspirated engines. When choosing, consider driving habits and vehicle usage scenarios.

2. Horsepower

  • Key points: Horsepower is the unit of engine power (1 horsepower ≈ 735 watts, 1000 watts ≈ 1.36 horsepower). The higher the horsepower, the better the acceleration and top speed performance.
  • Additional information: A high horsepower rating is suitable for users who pursue performance, but for family cars, a balance between power and fuel consumption should be achieved. In actual driving, horsepower needs to be considered in conjunction with the transmission and vehicle weight.

3. Torque

  • Key points: Torque (unit: Newton-meters, Nm) represents the “power” of the wheels and affects acceleration, overtaking, climbing, and load capacity. The greater the torque, the better the low-speed response.
  • Additional information: Turbocharged engines usually can output high torque at low speeds, suitable for urban and complex road conditions; naturally aspirated engines have more linear torque output, suitable for smooth driving.

4. Transmission

Key points:

  • Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT): High transmission efficiency, quick shifting, suitable for high-speed or secondary roads, but not suitable for frequent shifting or high-torque scenarios.
  • Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): Smooth and fuel-efficient, suitable for urban traffic congestion conditions, but not suitable for intense driving or climbing.
  • Automatic Transmission (AT): Durable, suitable for high-torque scenarios (such as off-road, climbing), but has high fuel consumption at low speeds.

Additional note: The choice of transmission type should be based on driving habits and road conditions. For instance, CVT is suitable for daily commuting, AT is more suitable for long-distance travel or in complex terrains, and dual-clutch transmission is preferred by those who seek a thrilling driving experience.

5. Drivetrain

Key points:

  • Front-wheel drive (FWD): High transmission efficiency, fuel-saving, low cost, suitable for family cars.
  • Rear-wheel drive (RWD): Flexible handling, suitable for performance cars or drifting, but with slightly higher fuel consumption.
  • All-wheel drive (AWD/4WD): Strong grip, suitable for complex road conditions, but with high costs and fuel consumption.

Additional note: Four-wheel drive systems come in various types (such as sequential four-wheel drive and full-time four-wheel drive). Most family SUVs use sequential four-wheel drive, which balances fuel consumption and off-road capability; while off-road vehicles with a tough design mostly use transfer case four-wheel drive, which is suitable for extreme conditions.

6. Suspension

Key points:

  • McFerron: Simple structure, low cost, common in family cars, with moderate handling and comfort.
  • Double wishbone: Strong handling, suitable for performance cars or SUVs.
  • Multi-link: Better comfort, suitable for luxury cars or those emphasizing the riding experience.
  • Torsion beam: Low cost, commonly used in the rear suspension of compact cars, with poor comfort and handling.

Additional note: The suspension adjustment is also crucial.Additional note: The suspension adjustment is also crucial. Good adjustment can ensure that the handling of the McPherson suspension is on par with that of the multi-link suspension. Good adjustment can ensure that the handling of the McPherson suspension is on par with that of the multi-link suspension. When choosing a car, you can take a test drive to experience the actual effect. When choosing a car, you can take a test drive to experience the actual effect.

7. Ground Clearance

  • Key points: Ground clearance determines the off-road capability.Key points: Ground clearance determines the off-road capability. A high ground clearance is suitable for off-road use, while a low ground clearance is suitable for high-speed stability and handling.A high ground clearance is suitable for off-road use, while a low ground clearance is suitable for high-speed stability and handling.
  • Additional information: The ground clearance of family SUVs is generally between 180 and 220mm, and that of cars is between 100 and 150mm. Additional information: The ground clearance of family SUVs is generally between 180 and 220mm, and that of cars is between 100 and 150mm. When choosing, one needs to balance the off-road capability and handling. When choosing, one needs to balance the off-road capability and handling. For example, urban vehicles do not require a very high ground clearance. For example, urban vehicles do not require a very high ground clearance.

8. Wheelbase

  • Key points: The wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels, which affects the longitudinal space inside the vehicle (especially the legroom for the rear seats). The longer the wheelbase, the larger the space and the better the comfort.
  • Additional information: A long wheelbase may result in an increased turning radius, affecting flexibility. Compact cars typically have a wheelbase of 2600-2700mm, while mid-sized and large-sized vehicles can have a wheelbase of 2800mm or more.

9. Track Width

  • Key points: Wheelbase refers to the distance between the left and right wheels, which affects the lateral space and stability. The wider the wheelbase, the better the high-speed stability and the stronger the ability to resist side roll during turns.
  • Additional information: Vehicles with a wide wheelbase (such as wide-body sports cars) are more stable when driving at high speeds, but may have slightly more limitations when parking or navigating narrow roads.

10. Braking Distance

  • Key points: The shorter the braking distance, the better the braking performance and the higher the safety. The braking distance is affected by factors such as tires, the braking system, and road conditions.
  • Supplement: For family cars, a braking distance of 35-40 meters from 100 km/h to 0 is considered excellent, while a distance of more than 40 meters requires caution. When choosing a car, you can refer to professional evaluation data.

Body Structure & Hot-Formed Steel

  • Key points: A high proportion of hot-formed steel (more than 30% is excellent, 20% is mid-to-upper range, and less than 15% is low) indicates better cockpit protection and higher safety.
  • Additional information: Hot-formed steel is mainly used in key areas such as A-pillars and B-pillars, but it is costly. Some brands do not disclose the proportion, and you can refer to safety ratings such as C-NCAP and Euro NCAP.

Summary of Recommendations

These ten parameters cover aspects such as power (displacement, horsepower, torque), handling (transmission, driving mode, suspension, wheelbase), safety (braking distance, body structure), and space (wheelbase, ground clearance), which can comprehensively assess a vehicle’s performance. When buying a car, it is recommended:

  • Clarify requirements: For household vehicles, focus on fuel consumption, space, and comfort; for performance cars, prioritize horsepower, handling, and braking; for off-road vehicles, prioritize ground clearance and four-wheel drive.
  • Test drive verification: Parameters are just references; the actual driving experience is more important.
  • Review of evaluations: Professional tests (such as C-NCAP, automotive media) provide data on braking distance, high-strength steel, etc., which fills in the information that manufacturers have not disclosed.

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