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Which New Car Model is Right for
Me... Page
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When evaluating a vehicle, take a close look at the list of specifications
("specs"). "Specs" enumerate all kinds of technical vehicle
information, including engine size and the horsepower the engine generates. A comparison
of this " power
plant " information on the vehicles you are considering will give you an idea of
the performance level you can expect. The base model Toyota Camry, for example, has a
2.2-liter, 133-horsepower, four-cylinder engine. For additional dollars, you can equip
your Camry with a 3.0-liter, 194-horsepower, six-cylinder engine. The second engine has 61
more horsepower, a third more than the standard option and definitely will have better
performance. The Oldsmobile Cutlass, on the other hand, offers only one engine option:
3.1-liter, 160-horsepower, six-cylinder. And remember, the Cutlass appears on the
"Under $22,000" list in our "Vehicles and Their Categories" inventory
while the Camry, at about $25,000, appears on the "Over $22,000" list. It pays
to look carefully at a vehicle's "specs."
According to our Technical Editor, Becky Case, the best way to compare the performance
between cars is "by looking at the engine output. In the most simple terms, this is
horsepower. The more horsepower you have, the stronger the engine. Most performance cars
will have at least 150 horsepower. Horsepower is the amount of raw energy an engine
produces under normal running conditions. There are other important factors that influence
performance, such as the weight of the car, the amount of torque the engine produces, and
the engine's structural attributes -- like the number of cylinders it has and whether or
not it is a Turbo."
"Given the same horsepower, a lighter car will be faster than a heavier one because
there is less mass to pull. This is often referred to as the "power to weight
ratio." Torque is the amount of pulling power an engine can produce. The more torque
the engine produces, the faster the car can run. Most cars come with 4, 6, or 8 cylinders.
In a general sense, the more cylinders the engine has, the more horsepower it will have.
Also, the more cylinders a car has, the more gas it will use. But, the car with the most
horsepower and torque is not necessarily the fastest. There are lots of things
involved."
"Another term you're likely to hear about when car shopping is "Cam." Cams
operate the intake and exhaust valves. In a single overhead cam (SOHC) engine there is
only one cam operating both the intake and exhaust valve movements. In a double (or dual)
overhead cam engine there are two separate cams operating the intake and exhaust valves
independently. This action provides better timing and a cooler running engine."
"A turbo charger is an engine type that generates more horsepower, and is smaller in
size thus lighter in weight than the standard combustion engine found in most cars. The
advantage of a Turbo Charged engine is in what it affords to the car in the way of the
"power to weight ratio." These engines maintain a better ratio, but can add
several thousand dollars to the price of your car. These engines also run at a higher
revolutions (revs), thus they run hotter and may cost more to maintain."
"Lastly is the term "liter engine." Roughly, this indicates an engine's
size -- actually it is the volume of the cylinders. In terms of your buying decision, the
liter size of the engine is only significant in that it is large enough to generate the
power your driving habits demand. The average midsize car has approximately a 3 liter, V-6
engine and would suffice for most people's required uses -- driving to and from work,
vacations, etc."
Adequate performance, however, should be one of your major criterion even if you are only
interested in a car for basic transportation. Performance is an important safety feature.
It means acceleration that gets you safely onto the freeway or the gumption to
successfully pass a long truck on a two-lane road. More importantly, a responsive gas
pedal allows you to accelerate to avoid a hazardous roadway situation, rather than brake.
Braking can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and make matters worse. Don't forget
to rate the "performance" factor on each vehicle making it to your
"consideration" list.
Comfort and luxury are two other factors to consider as you continue to pare down the list
of vehicles that suit your life-style. If you drive long distances to work every day, a
comfortable driver's seat is a must. Look for a multi-adjustable seat. A power seat
adjustment is best because it gives you a better chance of getting the position "just
right." Some even have a memory setting so more than one driver can always find their
"prefect" position instantly. You may also want the driver's seat to include
lumbar support. If a long motor trip is the first item on the agenda for your new vehicle,
it's important that everybody making the journey have a comfortable seat. The lumbar
support for the driver is particularly welcome on road trips. Simply changing the
adjustment slightly can rejuvenate you. It's a little like stretching. If you're making an
"adults only" trip, consider the poor person in the middle of the car's back
seat.
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