To most people, learning about a car’s length is not necessary. To them, it’s just a waste of time and effort. But there is some significance. Knowing a car’s size can help you to make informed decisions on various things. These include the parking lot proportions and road markings, most especially when parking your vehicle.
A car’s length is the distance measured from the farthest tip (at the front) to the car’s back. Now here’s the big question.
What Is The Average Length Of A Car?
The average length of a car is estimated to be about 4.2 to 4.9 meters. It’s described as being equal to the size of an Audi A4 (about 4.5 meters).
But here’s the thing. Every manufacturer has a specific length for each model they create. So, the length of a car varies from one model to another. Some vehicles measure 3 to 4 meters long, making them smaller than the average length, while some are about 5 meters or more, making them longer than the average length of a car.
The Different Types Of Cars And Their Lengths
Here are the different car types and their length.
Urban cars:
These are also known as city cars. And you can guess where they got such a name. Urban cars are the type of cars people usually drive in cities. You can compare them with other vehicles in terms of their length and trunk size. The length is within 2.7 to 4 meters, and their height is between 1.5 to 1.7 meters. Urban cars’ width is between 1.5 to 1.7 meters. Some examples are the Toyota Aygo and Kia Picanto.
Mini cars:
These are also called small-size cars. They are smaller than compact cars in terms of size. But then, compared to the urban cars, they boost more space and are slightly longer. Furthermore, their length is 3.8 to 4.1 meters, and their height is 1.5 to 1.8 meters. They also have a width of between 1.6 to 1.7meters. Examples include; Renault Zoe and Audi A1.
Compact cars:
These cars boost space in their interior. The outer part also has some good balance. However, their side mirrors are foldable. So, you have to take their measurements without including the side mirror. The cars’ length is within 4.1 to 4.3 meters, their height is between 1.4 to 1.5 meters, and their width is between 1.7 to 1.8 meters. Examples are Honda civics and Citroens.
Family cars:
They’re practical cars. Family cars are also spacious and don’t have much trunk space (space for luggage). The cars’ length is 4.4 to 4.7 meters, and their height is between 1.4 to 1.6 meters. Their width is between 1.8 to 1.9 meters—for example, Infiniti Q30 and Audi A4.
Executive cars:
They have ample trunk space that can be more than 4.7 meters in length. The cars’ length is within 4.6 to 5 meters, and their height is between 1.4 to 1.5 meters. The width is also 1.8 and 1.9 meters. An example is the BMW 5 Series Grand Turismo.
Luxury cars:
These are Porsche-type cars. They’re built for luxury, and there’s a great focus on these cars’ exterior. They boost a retractable roof, well-designed safety systems, and sleek body designs. They don’t have much inner space but have powerful engines and are pretty fast.
These cars’ length is within 4.6 to 5.6 meters, and height is 1.3 to 1.5 meters. The width is between 1.3 to 1.5 meters. The Maseratis and SL Mercedes are good examples.
Sports cars:
These cars tend to have high function systems and powerful engines. However, the trunk has a small size of fewer than 1.7 meters. The cars’ length is within 4 to 5 meters, and their height is between 1.2 to 1.3 meters. Also, their width is between 1.7 to 1.8 meters. The Mercedes S Class is in this category.
Estate cars:
These are mostly saloon cars. They’re economical, have an extended roof and ample trunk space measuring 4.2 to 5 meters. They have a length of between 4.2 to 5 meters, and height is 1.4 to 1.6 meters. The width is 1.7 to 1.8 meters. Examples include the Jaguar X5 sport.
Multipurpose vehicles (MPVs):
These have ample inner space. Also, they’re usually about 5 to 7-seater cars. They have a large trunk capacity and are used chiefly for trips. Their length is 4 to 5.1 meters, and their height is 1.5 to 1.9 meters. Also, the width is 1.7 to 1.9 meters. The Citroen Grand C4 Spacetourer is a good example.
Small crossovers:
They’re also known as compact crossovers. They have relatively small lengths that enable easy movements. However, they have both on-road and off-road design, higher heights, and a trunk length of fewer than 4.7 meters.
The car length is between 3.7 to 4.3 meters, and the height is between 1.5 to 1.7 meters. Also, the width is between 1.7 to 1.8 meters. An example is the Suzuki S class.
Compact sports utility vehicles (SUVs):
They’re also known as small SUVs. They’re convenient for anyone. They have an on-road design that increases their ground balance and a high driving arrangement. Also, they have a more defined body design than MPVs and have a trunk size of about 4.5 meters.
Furthermore, the car length is between 4.3 to 4.7 meters, the height is between 1.5 to 1.7 meters, and the width is between 1.8 to 1.9 meters. Audi Q5 is an example.
Large sports utility vehicles (SUVs):
They’re also called big SUVs. They have more height and come designed for rough terrains. Their trunk size is more than 5 meters. Also, they have a length of between 4.7 to 5.1 meters. The height is between 1.6 to 2 meters, and the width is 1.7 to 2 meters. An example is the Lincoln Navigator.
Pickup trucks (pickups):
They’re multipurpose vehicles. Also, they have large interior spaces and have more trip comfort than SUVs. They have a length of 5.2 to 5.6 meters, a height of 1.7 to 1.9 meters, and a width of 1.8 to 2 meters. An example is a Ford Ranger.
How To Determine The Length Of A Car
There are different ways to know the exact length of your car. However, some methods appear to be more precise than others. So, read through and choose the one that is more comfortable for you.
VIN Decoder:
This is an easy and secure way to know the length of your car. Find out your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). That’s what you need to do. You can locate it in your car’s manual or your other documents. You can also find it at the driver’s door. Please note that the VIN consists of 17 characters.
Next, search the web for a free VIN decoder. Then, enter your VIN into the VIN decoder. It will show you the exact size of your car.
Online auto shop:
Another way you can get your car’s length is to visit an auto shop website. On the website, input your license plate number or VIN. This will give you information about your car, including the length. However, the information gotten from this means is not as reliable as that of the VIN decoder.
Your Local Dealer:
This method is quite reliable and cheap. All you have to do is to call your local dealer to get the information you seek. But you’ll have to provide your license plate number and VIN. With these details, your local dealer can provide you with information about your car’s length.
Measure it yourself:
You don’t need any special technical knowledge to measure a car. Just get a proper measuring tool and information on how to go about it.
You can use a yardstick to measure the car. Put the yardstick under the car from the front bumper to the rear and measure the length.
Why You Should Know The Length Of Your Car
- It enables you to determine the distance you need to create between your car and another car parked before you.
- It helps you to maintain your lane while driving. It enables you to create a mental image of the road from your car.
- It helps you to determine if your car can fit into a specific parking space.
- It will allow you to park effectively on both sides of the road without going beyond the pavement.
- It will enable you to maintain a safe distance from other cars while driving.
- It can help you to determine if your car can drive easily through narrow streets. The essence is to allow you to move quickly without bashing your vehicle.
- It helps you know how oversized your parking garage should be when you want to build one.
Conclusion
Being aware of your car’s length will help you in many ways. It’s also highly beneficial for individuals who are learning how to drive. Measuring a car’s length is also not an arduous task. You can determine it by knowing the car model.
You should also know that there is no perfect car length. Furthermore, when buying a car, consider other features, not just its length.