Is It Easier To Drive A Small Car?
On many occasions we hear users say that it is easier to drive a small car than a large one. Although there is some truth to this, there are many variables to consider.
Size really matters and more in Spain. In our country, 70% of registrations are for small cars. And if we look at the few free parking spaces in the city, it even seems that the smaller the size the maneuverability is easier.
Why are beginners recommended to start with small cars?
This whole topic stems from this old recommendation to the beginning driver: small vehicles are good for learning. And it is certainly logical to think that a light car is easier to drive than a large one.
From this it also follows that women prefer compact models. It may even appear that a chassis and a small frame need less force and respond more quickly.
However, the dimensions of a car are not the only characteristics that influence its handling. The real reason novices are advised to ride compact cars is because size can matter when it comes to parking.
All cars today have adequate features
In fairness, almost all cars today have features that allow for good maneuverability despite their size. For example, large, heavy vehicles have much more powerful brakes. The suspension and gears are also adapted to the overall dimensions.
Perhaps before the 1990s, considering dimensions made more sense. At that time, the automotive industry was still experiencing principles that are now standardized. It is difficult for us today to think of an SUV model with braking difficulties due to its weight.
Inertia and big cars: mystery solved
Inertia also plays its role in this matter; If we look at it from another perspective, perhaps small cars could lose out to larger ones.
Inertia is nothing more than the resistance that a body has to change in the middle of a movement. This situation occurs when we are driving, but not in the way that many believe. In reality, today’s automobiles are made to combat the effects of this force in a variety of settings.
What do manufacturers do with big cars? They simply add suspensions, brakes and gearing adapted to their dimensions. These components are generally more powerful in a 4 × 4 than in a compact.
Under this premise, we could even affirm that larger cars are more agile because they have more powerful components. In summary: the problem is not the size of the vehicle, but the internal components.
How is driving a small car easier ?
During the driver’s day-to-day life, there is a scenario in which it becomes easier to drive a small car. It is time to park, especially in the big city. It is easier to measure the distances between cars when our car is shorter.
Another important aspect is the issue of possible accidents and other contingencies with the vehicle. For example, in the event of a claim, the economic loss will be less substantial in relation to a high-end model.
When it comes to replacing a car, we can find compacts at really low prices on the second-hand market. However, luck at the wheel seems to come down to just one issue: our experience and driving skills.
In the middle of a crash or loss of brakes, the only thing that can determine our survival will be the maneuver we perform. And the more we practice, the task of driving will become much more intuitive.
On this principle that we are seeing, we can base ourselves when purchasing a car: the more experience we will be able to access larger vehicles.
In conclusion, we cannot say that it is easier to drive a small car, at least nowadays. The steering systems work the same on almost all models, as do their brakes. In any case, the right thing to do is to recommend beginners to start out with compact cars.
