If you are planning on buying your first car or to upgrade, you will most likely be drawn into the car vs. SUV debate, even more so if you have a family. The question does not get any easier, but rather more complex when considering the various factors that influence the type of vehicle that one settles for. You may be in a dilemma, wondering if you should go for comfort and space, and hence pick an SUV, or if you look at how you can save more on fuel and not harm the environment as much, and thus settle for a fuel-efficient family car.
While debating which automobile type to choose, it would be prudent to invest in some added security for your vehicle. Also, you need to be able to know where your vehicle stops, how many passengers board or get off, which route it follows, and so on. To obtain all these features, you should install bus passenger counters. This way, you will have all the data on those issues as well as how passengers are using your bus.
Here are some considerations for the car vs. SUV debate:
The use of the vehicle
If you intend to use the vehicle to get to work alone, a car would be better. On the other hand, if you need more cargo and passenger space, an SUV is the better choice. You may also consider going for a station wagon or a hatchback to enjoy more cargo space while avoiding the bulkiness and high fuel consumption of SUVs.
The place where you live
Do you live in winter-prone regions? If so, the higher suspension and the 4×4 power of an SUV may come in handy. SUVs are also the real machines for mountainous, rough terrain or for wooded places. However, you should choose the vehicle that is best suited for such places, since the majority of front-wheel drive SUVs are no better than cars on rough roads. If you drive most of the time on a highway, you should choose a car, as SUVs’ high fuel consumption would be a waste on a smooth road.
Fuel and maintenance costs
Cars are fuel-efficient, and with the rising cost of gas, they will spare you some money. Also, their maintenance costs tend to be lower. Although there are new SUVs that are more car-like when it comes to fuel economy and engine size, they are still bigger and have more weight than cars, so it will cost more to run them. Also, a good number of mechanics claims that SUVs require more maintenance due to the need to replace parts like tires and brakes more often.
Your ride preference
SUVs are higher off the ground, making entry into or exit from them easier, and offering better visibility while driving than cars. However, the stability and rollover risk are higher with SUVs despite improvements on recent models. The SUV is the perfect choice if you prefer larger and bulkier vehicles, but if your preference is a smooth luxurious ride, a car is the better option.
Conclusion
In addition to the above factors, you may need to consider where you park. If you park in tight, congested areas or restricted lots, a car is the better choice. Also, if you care for the environment, fuel-efficient cars are better than gas-guzzling SUVs. With the above points, you should be able to choose which vehicle to purchase. Nevertheless, a crossover vehicle that bears the features of both a car and an SUV may be an option for you if you have not solved the car vs. SUV debate.
