Car specifications, explained clearly
Independent, practical guides to the terms and technologies used throughout our vehicle catalog. Each article is reviewed against technical references and written to help you compare real specifications—not to sell a particular car.
Automatic vs CVT: how the two transmissions differ
Both shift without a clutch pedal, but they deliver power in different ways. Here is what the specification label can—and cannot—tell you.
Read the guideAWD vs 4WD: what the drivetrain labels really mean
The names overlap, and manufacturers do not use them consistently. The hardware and operating instructions are more useful than the badge.
Read the guideSedan vs hatchback: space, shape and everyday usability
A trunk lid and a rear hatch create different cargo openings, but the best choice depends on dimensions and packaging—not the silhouette alone.
Read the guideHorsepower vs torque: what each figure tells you
Torque describes a twisting force; power describes how quickly work can be done. Neither peak number tells the whole story of how a car accelerates.
Read the guideWhy car specifications vary by market, trim and model year
Two credible sources can publish different figures for the “same” model. Often they are describing different versions, standards or production dates.
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