How To Compare Cars Side By Side

The process of choosing a car may feel like playing an exciting new game. There are plenty of possibilities and are all exciting. How To Compare Cars Side By Side certain cars are huge and some are smaller and some run on gas and others are electric. If you just focus on the color or shape you may miss vital aspects such as safety, space and the amount of money it costs to operate.

This is why it's important to understand How To Compare Cars Side By Side. If you evaluate cars in properly you will be able to determine the one that is more safe or offers more space and which uses more fuel. You can also determine which is more suitable in the eyes of your children. You don't have to be an adult or mechanic to comprehend this. Simple actions, anyone who is 10-year-old and 11-year old could aid.

In this tutorial we'll show you how to evaluate two cars using simple language, clear examples, and easy checklists. At the end of this guide you'll be able to take a look at three or two automobiles as you say "I can tell which is more sensible for us." And this is the reason.

1. Why Compare Cars At All?

Imagine that you're choosing a school backpack.

One is cool, but is small.
One is heavier, but it's bigger.
One is easy, but robust.

If you decide solely on the appearance then you could end up with one that isn't able to hold the books you've got, is hurting your shoulders, or even breaks quick.

The cars look the same. Some look great However, the truth is:

They burn too much oil.
The problem is that they don't have sufficient room.
They don't have the best security features.
They can be expensive to repair.

If you look at the cars side-by-side you will observe:

Which vehicle is more secure?
Which vehicle is the most affordable in time
Which vehicle is best for your family and all your belongings
Which car is the most relaxing
Which car offers the greatest value-for-money

Comparing cars is like taking an Fair test in a science class. You examine the same elements for each car, and then see which one performs the best.

Read also: Hybrid Vs Electric Car Comparison

2. Simple Words You Need To Know

Before we begin with the basics, let's look up a few simple words that you'll come across often.

Model The particular "version" of a car. For example: Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Ford Focus.
Fuel What is it that makes the vehicle move. Gasoline (petrol), diesel, or electricity.
Economy of the fuel How much fuel is used by the vehicle. A higher fuel efficiency means less use of fuel means more money saved.
Rating of safety - A number that indicates how secure the car is during crashes as well as other circumstances.
Features - Additional features in your car, like cameras, a big display, Bluetooth, heated seats.
SUV - A larger, taller kind (like the family car).
Sedan Sedan HTML0 - A regular "car-shaped" car with a trunk (boot).
Hatchback is a smaller car in which the rear door can be lifted up, and the seats fold down.
Electronic automobile (EV) - A car that is powered by electricity, not gasoline.

You don't need to keep track of every detail perfectly.
You can look at this list any time you're not sure.

3. Step 1 - Decide What You Really Need

Before you compare vehicles, you need to answer the following question:

"What will this car be used for most of the time?"

Here are a few simple ideas to consider (you could talk to your parents about these):

What number of people normally be seated in a car?
- A couple of people?
- A family of 5 or 4?
- Maybe grandparents too?
What can the car have to
- Just school bags and food items?
- Sports equipment?
- Baby items?
- Do you need luggage for long journeys?
What is the place where will your vehicle be driven the most?
- Most of the time located in cities (small streets or traffic, parking)?
- Most often on major highways (long journeys)?
- Mixture of highway and city?
- Roads that are rough or rural areas?
What is most important to you and your family?
- How can you save the cost of fuel?
- Do you have a lot of space?
- Do you have the latest technology?
- Are you driving the safest vehicle possible?
Size and parking restrictions
- Is your parking space small?
- Is it difficult to park your car in the street?
- Do you need to get a smaller vehicle that is more convenient to park?

Write your answers down. This will let you know which kind of vehicle is best suited to your needs the best: small city car minivan, SUV, sedan or even an electric vehicle.

4. Step 2 - Make a "Car Shortlist"

There are thousands of automobile models. How To Compare Cars Side By Side you cannot analyze them all. We make an list to begin with: a smaller collection of vehicles that could be worth a look.

Ask your parents to assist you collect ideas from:

Car sites
Car dealership websites
YouTube reviews
The advice of family members or friends

Pick three to five cars to make your shortlist.

A family, for instance, could decide to:

Toyota Corolla
Honda Civic
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Forte

If they're interested in an SUV, they might consider:

Honda CR-V
Toyota RAV4
Hyundai Tucson

There is no need for all the details at this point.
Just write the names of the vehicles.
These are the ones you'll compare with each other.

Read also: Best Sedans With Leather Interiors

5. Step 3 - Set Up a Simple Comparison Table

The enjoyable "science" part. We'll build an comparability table for each car to look at its particulars clearly.

It is possible to do this:

On paper (draw the table using an ruler)
In the form of a notebook
In the form of a sheet (like Google Sheets or Excel)

A simple example of a car comparison table

Feature	Car 1: Honda Civic	Car 2: Toyota Corolla	Car 3: Hyundai Elantra
Type	Sedan	Sedan	Sedan
Seats	5	5	5
Trunk space	Medium	Medium	Large
Rating of safety	5/5	5/5	4/5
Economy of fuel	Excellent	Excellent	Good
Price (approx.)	$$$	$$$	$$
Extra features	Basic technology	Good technology	Many functions

This is an basic example. You can alter the attributes to reflect the most important things for your household.

Here are some ideas to include in your dining room table:

Car type (small car (small car, sedan, SUV etc.)
Seats
Trunk (boot) space
Rating of safety
Fuel type (gas, diesel, electric, hybrid)
Fuel economy (how the amount of fuel it consumes)
Price of the car
Warranty (how how long the manufacturer will repair the problem for no cost)
Important features (camera, sensors, big screen, Bluetooth, etc.)

Now we'll go through them in order.

6. Step 4 - Compare Size, Space, and Comfort

A car should be able to accommodate people and their belongings comfortably.

6.1. Seats

Questions to ask

Does the vehicle come with enough seating to accommodate all the family members?
If someone is a guest (like grandparents) do they have the same space?
Are the seats in the back comfortable for adults or older kids?
Can a child's seat be set up easily in case of need?

On your table you are able to note:

"4 seats" or "5 seats"
"Back seats: good for tall people" or "Back seats: tight for adults"

6.2. Trunk (Boot) Space

This is the place to put:

Groceries
School bags
Suitcases
Sports gear
Stroller

You can find:

Size of the trunk Sometimes, it is displayed in Liters (L) as well as cubic feet.
If seats are able to collapse to make more room.

Within the table, you are able to add:

Small / Medium / Large
or the exact number or the exact number if your parents ask for to know it (like "470 L").

6.3. Comfort

Comfort is a little "personal", but you can still make comparisons with the basics:

Are the seats hard or soft?
Do you have enough leg room in the front and rear?
Can the seat move up/down/forward/back?
Are you able to easily get into and out of the vehicle?

You can try it out during an trial drive (we'll discuss this in a moment). How To Compare Cars Side By Side for now take note of what reviews and websites have to say about it.

7. Step 5 - Compare Safety Features

The safety of your passengers safety is far more vital than appearance or performance. A car will help to protect the driver in the event of an accident and prevent accidents as well.

7.1. Safety Rating

Numerous places rely on stars ratings, for example:

5 stars - very secure
4 stars - excellent
3 stars is okay, but not exceptional.

Have your parents find the safety ratings of every vehicle version.
In your table you can add a row such as:

Honda Civic - 5/5 stars
Toyota Corolla - 5/5 stars
Hyundai Elantra - 4/5 stars

If a car is rated as less safe rating, it may not be the most appropriate option.

7.2. Safety Systems

Modern cars usually have safety features which aid the driver.
Here are some most commonly used ones (in simple terms):

Airbags big cushions that pop up to shield people from an accident.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) - Helps wheels not to lock when you are braking very hard.
Either ESC, or ESP (Stability Control) - It helps keep the car from spinning or sliding.
Lane assistance warns the driver when the vehicle is able to move out of the lane.
Alert for blind spots warns drivers that where the driver isn't able to see the mirror.
Automatic emergency brake - The car will brake automatically if the likelihood of a crash is high.
Rear view camera allows you to view behind the car while driving in reverse.

On the table you will take note of things such as:

"Has rear camera + lane assist + auto braking"
"Only basic safety: airbags + ABS"

If you are comparing cars, one that comes with more safety and security features is generally a better option.

8. Step 6 - Compare Fuel Use (or Electricity)

Fuel is an important aspect of how much a vehicle actually costs in the long run.

8.1. Fuel Types

Cars are able to run on:

Gasoline (petrol) - Very common.
Diesel is often used to power larger cars and long-distance travel.
Hybrid uses gasoline as well as a bit of electricity.
Electric (EV) - Uses only electricity.

Each has its pros and cons.

Gasoline is readily available However, it can be quite expensive.
Diesel is sometimes preferred for long-distance travel however it can pollute more.
Hybrids - typically save fuel for city driving.
Electricity, no gas but it requires charging; great If you have a place to charge.

8.2. Fuel Economy

The fuel economy will tell you how far a vehicle will travel using the same quantity of gasoline.

You may be able to see:

Liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) The lower the number, the more beneficial.
Miles Per Gallon (mpg) A higher number is more efficient.

It is possible to think of it in terms of:

More efficient fuel consumption means less expense on fuel = better.

At the table you are in, you should write something such as:

"Very good fuel economy"
"Average fuel economy"
"Uses a lot of fuel"

If you'd like to be more specific, record your numbers (your parents could help). How To Compare Cars Side By Side when you compare cars the fuel efficiency is an significant aspect in the long-term cost.

9. Step 7 - Compare Price and Long-Term Costs

The majority of people focus on the cost of the automobile however that's only part of the story.

Cars are expensive in a variety of ways:

Price of purchase What is the price that the car will cost you to purchase.
Cost of fuel How much do you pay for electric or fuel each month.
Repairs and service How much it is to repair or maintain your car.
Insurance Amount of money given each year to help protect against unforeseen accidents (varies according to the country).
Taxes and charges depending upon where you reside.

You can help with comparison even if you're not still a child, by creating an simple table of money:

Cost Type	Car 1	Car 2	Car 3
Purchase cost	High	Medium	Low
Fuel cost	Low	Very low	Medium
Service/repairs	Medium	Medium	High
Insurance (likely)	Medium	Medium	High

Your parents are able to fill in more precise numbers, however you can categorize things Medium, High, or Low according to studies.

Remember:

A less costly car that consumes much fuel and breaks frequently could be more costly over the long term over a more expensive vehicle that is extremely durable and requires less fuel.

10. Step 8 - Compare Technology and Extra Features

It's what is the "fun" part for many people, but it must be a priority after the safety of space, safety, and costs.

Some common features:

Touchscreen display
Bluetooth (connect the phone to your the car)
Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
USB ports to charge devices
Parking sensors
Front and rear cameras
Heated seats
Sunroof
Automated air conditioning

Certain aspects could be important to your family for example:

Rear camera for parking is easier
Apple CarPlay / Android Auto which means that your parents can access maps with ease

On your table you are able to include rows like:

"Has rear camera + CarPlay + Android Auto"
"No big screen, only basic radio"

When comparing, you should ask:

Which car has the most value-for-money features in the cheapest cost?
Are you paying more for "cool but not needed" other items?

11. Step 9 - Check Reviews and Ratings

Although a car may appear good in the paper it's a good idea to check out what actual car owners as well as experts have to say about it.

Request your parents to search for:

Reviews of videos are available on YouTube.
Websites for car reviews
Reviews from the owner (what buyers of the vehicle say about it)

Things to be aware of:

Do you know how many have the exact issue (for instance, "the transmission breaks easily")?
Do you know if people think that the car is extremely stable and doesn't have many problems?
There are recalls (when the manufacturer asks owners to return to correct major problems)?

You can include an additional row to your table:

"Owner reviews: very reliable, few problems"
"Owner reviews: many complaints about engine"

Automobiles which are highly rated as well as reliable tend to be better choices.

12. Step 10 - Test Drive and Final Choice

After all that looking at the different cars, your family could have one or two most beloved automobiles. The time is now to go on an experience. In a test drive, the driver (usually parents) takes the vehicle for a few minutes as well as you are able to take a seat inside and feel the room and feel comfortable.

What should you look out for when you test drive

Are all people able to access the building and exit easily?
Are there enough legroom to stretch out your back?
Are you able to see from the windows?
Are you hearing too much inside?
Do the driver feel comfortable with does the driver feel comfortable using their controls (steering wheel or pedals, buttons)?

Parents will also be able to check:

The speed at which the car accelerates
What brakes feel like
How does it turn and the parks

After your test drive after the test drive, you can make changes to your table one more time:

"Comfort: very good"
"Back seats: a bit tight"
"Noise: quiet" or "Noise: loud on highway"

Your family will then be able to take a look at all things:

Safety
Space and space and
Economy of fuel
Costs and prices for the long-term
Features
Reviews
Test drive feeling

Then make a final choice.

13. Common Mistakes People Make When Comparing Cars

Even adults can make mistakes when choosing cars. How To Compare Cars Side By Side here are some mistakes to look to look out for (you could calmly remind them! ).

One mistake - choosing only on the basis of appearance

A car can be cool, but it can also be:

Uncomfortable
Unsafe
Very expensive to operate
A little too small for a family of four.

Better option: Look at safety space, cost, and space before deciding on the style.

2. Focusing solely on the price

The most affordable car you can buy may not be the cheapest vehicle to own.

If you own a car:

It uses a lot of fuel
Breaks can be frequent
Needs expensive parts

It could cost significantly more over the course of several years.

Better to Consider the long-term cost and not just the cost currently.

Third error - not paying attention to safety ratings

Some people are more concerned about the color, wheel, or a sound system than safety. However, in the real world, safety is the most important factor. You need to have a vehicle that is safe for your family in the event that something disastrous occurs.

Better to Always look up the safety rating first and the safety features.

The 4th error - not making sure the trunk space is properly inspected

People often think, "It's fine," but then discover:

The stroller won't fit.
The sports gear isn't a good fit.
Travel luggage isn't a good fit.

Better to Bring actual objects (like a stroller or a large suitcase) when you travel and check whether they can fit in the car.

5. Forgetting about the future requirements

If your family is likely to grow (new baby) or the kids get bigger, you may require:

More seats
More leg room
More trunk space

Better option: Choose a car that is suitable today and will fit your family in the next few years.

Sixth error - not doing the side-by-side comparison

Comparing a vehicle today and another next week, it can be difficult to recall the different features.

Better suggestion: Use a table and record everything so that you can compare two cars in the exact same place.

14. Easy Summary You Can Remember

Here's a quick method to keep in mind how to judge cars side-by-side.
Think of the term "SAFE CAR":

S First safety
- Review safety ratings and security features.
A - Quantity of space
- Seats, leg room, trunk space.
F - Fuel & long-term costs
- The fuel economy and the amount it will cost to operate.
E - Extras & features
- Screens, cameras, Bluetooth, and other important tech.
C - Comfort
- Are you comfortable to lounge in? Is it quiet inside?
A - Actual use
- Highway, city family trips and sports equipment.
R - Reviews & real tests
- Ratings, reviews and a real test drive.

If you read every letter in each vehicle and then write down the information you discover in an index, you'll have an accurate, fair comparison.

Conclusion on How To Compare Cars Side By Side

You've realized that the process of learning how to judge cars side-by-side is like working on a science-related project or fair test in school. It's not a matter of guessing or select the one that is coolest. Instead, you:

Check safety
Take a look at space and the comfort
Take a look at the price of fuel and long-term cost
Take note of technology and features
Review review and take a test drives

When you organize all of this information in a table or list and then the most appropriate choice is easy to determine. One car could be safer while another is more affordable to operate, and a third could have more room. How To Compare Cars Side By Side your task is to assist your family members determine which vehicle offers the most optimal combination of security, comfort and price.

If you're still only 10 or 11years old, you're still able ask the right questions and draw out crucial aspects. How To Compare Cars Side By Side this is how you can become a true "car helper" at home--by being able to evaluate automobiles side by side in a clear, calm and precise manner.

How To Compare Cars Side By Side: Guide for Smart Buyers