Comparison of dimensions of cars and trucks

Standards and sizes of passenger cars by segment

The classification of the Economic Commission for Europe is focused on segmenting the target market, and the boundaries between segments are more blurred and are not limited to parameters such as dimensions or weight, but also include price, type, set of options, etc.
Segments are often used by manufacturers to define a vehicle's place in the market, but specific vehicles within a segment often have vastly different features, technologies, and options depending on the manufacturer.

The boundaries between classes are quite arbitrary and are gradually blurring as automakers strive to give customers “more car” for the same money. When updating the model, it became a sign of good form to increase its length by 10-15 centimeters, as well as add functions that previously could only be offered by more expensive classes.

According to the European classification, all passenger cars belong to one of six segments:

In addition, there are several separate groups of cars that do not fit into any of the segments described above. For such cars, three additional segments are allocated:

Segment A

Extra small class, supermini, city car

- the smallest cars designed for cramped city conditions. Dynamic and driving characteristics are often mediocre. Body type: 3-door or 5-door hatchback. The length of the car is up to 3.6 meters and the width is up to 1.52 meters. Such models are attractive for their efficiency and parking capabilities in limited city spaces.

Typical representatives of the class: Daewoo Matiz, Kia Picanto, Chevrolet Spark, Ford Ka, Renault Twingo, Peugeot 107, Opel Adam, Toyota iQ, Suzuki Splash, Hyundai Eon, Chery QQ, Citroen C1, Suzuki Wagon R.

Specialized trucks

Specialized cargo vehicles include tanks, dump trucks, refrigerators, tractor-trailers and semi-trailers, and vans.

Thermal trucks have a load capacity of 5-15 tons.

Insulated containers with 20 and 40 pound containers are in a separate category. Their carrying capacity is 15 and 20 tons, respectively.

Timber carriers (from 3 to 25 tons), steam locomotives (up to 15 tons) and tank trucks (12-24 tons) are also considered a separate group.

Segment B

Small class

- a popular class of small-sized cars in Europe. In addition to 3 and 5-door hatchbacks, they are occasionally produced in sedan and station wagon bodies. Length up to 3.9 meters, width up to 1.7 meters. Engine displacement usually does not exceed 1.6 liters.

Typical representatives of the class: Audi A1, Nissan Micra, Volkswagen Polo, Skoda Fabia, Seat Ibiza, Hyundai Accent, Fiat Punto, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 208, Renault Clio, Renault Symbol, Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris, Mini, Mazda 2, Citroen C3 , Citroen DS3.

Load capacity

The overall dimensions of Gazelle cars place them in the lightest category. Their carrying capacity is 1.5-1.7 tons.

Minibuses have a slightly larger carrying capacity (1.5-2 tons). These machines develop quite good speed and allow the freight forwarder to accompany the cargo in the driver’s cabin.

The next category includes trucks of domestic and foreign production. Their carrying capacity is in the range of 3.5-7 tons. Their body can be tent or all-metal. They are used both for movement within the city and between them.

The next class is 10-ton trucks. They are also divided into subgroups. The first of them includes vehicles with a carrying capacity of 5-10 tons and a body volume of up to 36 cubic meters. m. The second group is also characterized by a tonnage of up to 10 tons, and their compartment volume is up to 56 cubic meters. m. The overall dimensions of KAMAZ vehicles are most suitable for the third group. Their carrying capacity is 10-15 tons, and the body has a volume of up to 60 cubic meters. m.

The next category unites vehicles with a carrying capacity of 20 tons. The container of such vehicles is called sea. It comes in 20 or 40 pound sizes. In the second case, the carrying capacity increases to 28 tons.

“Eurotents” are distinguished as a separate group. These are semi-trailers with a carrying capacity of 20-22 tons.

Segment C

Golf class, compact class

- universal, relatively compact, but more spacious cars, also classified as the “lower middle” class. The segment is the most popular in Europe (about a third of all sales). For decades, the trendsetter here was the Volkswagen Golf, which is why another name became the expression golf class. The capacity of golf-class cars allows you to transport five adults with luggage, but three people in the back seat will be cramped. Length up to 4.3 meters, width up to 1.7-1.8 meters.

Body types - hatchback, sedan, station wagon. Less commonly - coupes and convertibles (however, according to the European classification, convertibles can belong to other segments, regardless of size). Dynamic and speed qualities vary widely, comfortable for trips and travel.

Typical representatives of the class: BMW 1-Series, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Audi A3, Renault Megane, Opel Astra, Peugeot 308, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Auris, Nissan Almera, Kia_cee'd, Kia Cerato, Mazda 3, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai i30, Mitsubishi Lancer, Volvo V40, Citroen C4, Citroen DS4, Skoda Octavia, Subaru Impreza, Suzuki SX4, Chevrolet Cruze.

Peculiarities

The streamlining of the vehicle body is not only responsible for aesthetics, but also gives a certain coefficient of air resistance. A low indicator indicates good dynamics of the machine. The width of the cars also plays an important role in this regard. The pressure on the vehicle becomes more noticeable at speeds above 55 km/h. The majority of modern sedans have a drag coefficient of no higher than 30. Jeeps, crossovers and trucks, due to the angularity of their shapes, have this parameter in the region of 40-50 units. The best aerodynamic capabilities are found in sports cars, which have the most streamlined body and additional systems that level air resistance.

The concept of “cabin width” includes the distance measured from the right to left door panel. Rear parameters may differ from front parameters due to original design and construction solutions. Users are particularly concerned about legroom. Due to their features, some cars have a minimum of this space, which is not always convenient for tall people. In turn, spacious interiors logically increase the overall dimensions of the vehicle and its cost in materials.

Segment D

Middle class

- middle or family class, presented in hatchback, sedan, station wagon bodies, with spacious interiors and voluminous trunks. This segment is usually divided into ordinary family models and luxury models, which, according to other classifications (for example, British) are allocated to a separate compact executive car segment.

Typical representatives of the class: Chrysler 200, Honda Inspire, SAAB 9-3, Opel Insignia, Peugeot 508, Mazda 6, Ford Mondeo, Toyota Avensis, Hyundai Sonata, Renault Latitude, Volkswagen Passat, Kia Optima, Audi A4, BMW 3, Mercedes- Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Volvo S60, Citroen C5, Citroen DS5, Suzuki Kizashi, Subaru Legacy.

Garage construction plan: design, types, minimum dimensions and area, construction standards

In addition to personal convenience, the garage plan should take into account the features of its location. It is necessary to take into account fire and sanitary safety standards. According to existing standards, a garage made of non-combustible materials must be located at a distance from residential materials of at least 6 meters, and of combustible materials - at least 10 meters. If a private parking lot is part of a residential building, then the door between it and the living spaces must have a fire resistance rating of at least 30 minutes.

The requirements for garages also regulate the mandatory presence of ventilation; special attention should be paid to this issue if the room is adjacent to or is part of a residential building. Also in this case, it is very important to pay attention to noise protection.

The minimum height can be 2.2 meters. But a person feels comfortable only if there is at least 50 cm above his head. Therefore, it would be more reasonable to calculate the size of the garage taking into account the tallest member of the family.

Segment E

Business Class

- usually sedans and station wagons. The cars have a spacious interior and a high level of standard equipment. The length is usually over 4.6 meters.

In Europe, predominantly luxury brands operate in this segment, and typical representatives are: Cadillac CTS, Jaguar XF, Saab 9-5, Volvo S80, Audi A6, BMW 5, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lexus ES. However, mass manufacturers also produce or have produced cars in this segment: Toyota Avalon, Citroen C6, Hyundai Grandeur, Kia Cadenza, Holden Commodore, Hyundai Genesis, Geely SL

How to control dimensions?

The width of the cars, like the length, can be visually controlled by the driver while driving. The windshield and mirrors are used for this. This solution allows you to select the correct radius and turning time, and also facilitates normal parking.

Before getting behind the wheel on his own, the owner must feel the size of the car taking into account its behavior on the road. The optimal solution would be to study theory and combine it with practical skills.

Knowing the theory about vehicle dimensions will help with this. Driving practice will help reinforce the feeling of distance between objects and the car, no matter what category it belongs to. Each user who treats this matter conscientiously contributes to ensuring road safety and reducing the number of road accidents.

Segment M

The M segment includes cars with a minivan body. The cars are intended mainly for large families, and can also be used for travel, as office delivery vehicles, etc. Capacity is from 5 to 7 seats, and minivans have up to 9 seats, including the driver. With the rear seats folded down or, in some cases, removed, vehicles in this segment can be used for cargo-passenger transport.

In terms of driving and speed characteristics, they are close to ordinary passenger station wagons. Minivans - unified in body and chassis with light cargo-passenger trucks, are distinguished by greater capacity, have sliding doors and an impressive height.

Representatives of the class: Ford Galaxy, Hyundai H-1, Fiat Doblo, Volkswagen Caravelle.

What are the overall dimensions of the car?

Each passenger car or cargo motor vehicle has its own overall dimensions. The width of the cars, as well as the height and length, are specified in any operating instructions for the unit. You can also find similar indicators in thematic tables or sections.

Dimensions parameters make it possible to evaluate maneuver options in a given situation. The length of the car is determined between the maximum protruding elements in front and behind the vehicle. The width of the cars is calculated from the boundaries of the protruding mirrors, and the height is fixed at the highest point of the roof. All this allows you to calculate the capacity of the car in the garage or other places that have certain restrictions.

Classification of passenger cars by size