Vehicle vs. Car — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 7, 2024
A vehicle is a broad category for any transport mechanism, while a car specifically refers to a four-wheeled automobile designed for passenger transport.
Difference Between Vehicle and Car
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Vehicles encompass a wide range of transportation methods including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles, designed for land, sea, or air travel. On the other hand, a car is a specific type of vehicle, primarily designed for road use and to carry a small number of passengers.
While vehicles can be powered by various means such as gasoline, diesel, electricity, or human power, cars are predominantly powered by internal combustion engines or electric motors, focusing on personal and family transportation.
The term vehicle is used in legal, engineering, and general contexts to refer to any means of transporting goods or people. In contrast, the term car is specifically used when referring to a personal, road-based mode of transport that has become a staple of individual and family life.
Vehicles vary widely in size, from bicycles and motorcycles to buses and trucks, each designed for specific purposes. Cars, however, generally refer to a more narrow range of sizes, typically designed to accommodate 2 to 8 passengers for personal transport.
In terms of regulations, vehicles as a category are subject to a wide array of laws and standards, including safety, emission, and operational regulations. Cars, as a subset of vehicles, adhere to specific regulations tailored to passenger vehicles, including crashworthiness standards and emissions limits.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Any transport mechanism for people or goods.
A four-wheeled motor vehicle used for passenger transport.
Types
Includes cars, trucks, bicycles, boats, and airplanes.
Primarily limited to sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and coupes.
Power Source
Can be powered by humans, animals, or various engines.
Typically powered by internal combustion engines or electric motors.
Purpose
Broad, ranging from transportation to construction and recreation.
Mainly for personal or family transport.
Regulatory Standards
Subject to general and specific regulations based on type.
Subject to automotive safety and emissions regulations.
Compare with Definitions
Vehicle
Any device in, on, or by which someone travels or something is carried.
The bicycle is a simple form of vehicle for personal transportation.
Car
A road vehicle, typically with four wheels, powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor, designed to carry a small number of passengers.
She drives a compact car for city use.
Vehicle
In the context of spacecraft, a vehicle refers to the entire rocket and spacecraft system.
The space shuttle was a complex vehicle for space exploration.
Car
In British English, a cart or wagon.
A coal car used in mining operations.
Vehicle
A means of conveyance provided with wheels, tracks, or runners.
Snowmobiles are vehicles adapted for snow.
Car
A railroad car, a wheeled vehicle for rail transport.
We traveled in a dining car on the train.
Vehicle
In legal terms, a vehicle is anything on wheels or tracks that can carry people or goods.
Commercial vehicles are subject to specific regulatory standards.
Car
A part of an elevator or cable car system.
We took the next car to reach the top floor.
Vehicle
A medium through which something is expressed, achieved, or displayed.
Language is a vehicle for communication.
Car
Historically, a carriage or chariot.
Kings and queens traveled in elaborately decorated cars.
Vehicle
A vehicle (from Latin: vehiculum) is a machine that transports people or cargo. Vehicles include wagons, bicycles, motor vehicles (motorcycles, cars, trucks, buses), railed vehicles (trains, trams), watercraft (ships, boats), amphibious vehicles (screw-propelled vehicle, hovercraft), aircraft (airplanes, helicopters) and spacecraft.Land vehicles are classified broadly by what is used to apply steering and drive forces against the ground: wheeled, tracked, railed or skied.
Car
A car (or automobile) is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transportation. Most definitions of cars say that they run primarily on roads, seat one to eight people, have four wheels, and mainly transport people rather than goods.Cars came into global use during the 20th century, and developed economies depend on them.
Vehicle
A thing used for transporting people or goods, especially on land, such as a car, lorry, or cart
The vehicle was sent skidding across the road
A heavy goods vehicle
Car
An automobile.
Vehicle
A thing used to express, embody, or fulfil something
I use paint as a vehicle for my ideas
Car
A vehicle, such as a streetcar, that runs on rails
A railroad car.
Vehicle
A film, television programme, song, etc. that is intended to display the leading performer to the best advantage
A vehicle for a star who was one of Hollywood's hottest properties
Car
A boxlike enclosure for people or cargo on a conveyance
An elevator car.
Vehicle
A privately controlled company through which an individual or organization conducts a particular kind of business, especially investment.
Car
The part of a balloon or airship that carries people or cargo.
Vehicle
A device or structure for transporting persons or things; a conveyance
A space vehicle.
Car
(Archaic) A chariot, carriage, or cart.
Vehicle
A self-propelled conveyance that runs on tires; a motor vehicle.
Car
A wheeled vehicle that moves independently, with at least three wheels, powered mechanically, steered by a driver and mostly for personal transportation.
She drove her car to the mall.
Vehicle
A medium through which something is transmitted, expressed, or accomplished
His novels are a vehicle for his political views.
Car
(dated) A wheeled vehicle, drawn by a horse or other animal; a chariot.
Vehicle
The concrete or specific word or phrase that is applied to the tenor of a metaphor and gives the metaphor its figurative power, as walking shadow in "Life's but a walking shadow" (Shakespeare).
Car
A four-wheeled cab, as opposed to a (two-wheeled) Hansom cab.
Vehicle
A play, role, or piece of music used to display the special talents of one performer or company.
Car
An unpowered unit in a railroad train.
The conductor coupled the cars to the locomotive.
Vehicle
An inactive substance that is combined with an active medication to facilitate administration.
Car
(rail transport) an individual vehicle, powered or unpowered, in a multiple unit.
The 11:10 to London was operated by a 4-car diesel multiple unit.
Vehicle
A substance, such as oil, in which paint pigments are mixed for application.
Car
(rail transport) A passenger-carrying unit in a subway or elevated train, whether powered or not.
From the frontmost car of the subway, he filmed the progress through the tunnel.
Vehicle
A conveyance; a device for carrying or transporting substances, objects or individuals.
Car
A rough unit of quantity approximating the amount which would fill a railroad car.
We ordered five hundred cars of gypsum.
Vehicle
A medium for expression of talent or views.
Supporting actors in a Steven Spielberg vehicle
Car
The moving, load-carrying component of an elevator or other cable-drawn transport mechanism.
Fix the car of the express elevator - the door is sticking.
Vehicle
A liquid content (e.g. oil) which acts as a binding and drying agent in paint.
Car
The passenger-carrying portion of certain amusement park rides, such as Ferris wheels.
The most exciting part of riding a Ferris wheel is when your car goes over the top.
Vehicle
(pharmaceuticals) The main excipient (such as an oil or gel) that conveys the active ingredient of a drug.
An ointment with a petrolatum vehicle
Car
The part of an airship, such as a balloon or dirigible, which houses the passengers and control apparatus.
Vehicle
An entity to achieve an end.
Mission service as a vehicle for development of better-rounded worldviews
Car
(sailing) A sliding fitting that runs along a track.
Vehicle
(Buddhism) A mode or method of spiritual practice; a yana.
Car
The aggregate of desirable characteristics of a car.
Buy now! You can get more car for your money.
Vehicle
(Hinduism) An animal or (rarely) a plant on which a Hindu deity rides or sits
Car
(US) A floating perforated box for living fish.
Vehicle
That in or on which any person or thing is, or may be, carried, as a coach, carriage, wagon, cart, car, sleigh, bicycle, etc.; a means of conveyance; specifically, a means of conveyance upon land.
Car
A clique or gang.
Vehicle
That which is used as the instrument of conveyance or communication; as, matter is the vehicle of energy.
A simple style forms the best vehicle of thought to a popular assembly.
Car
(obsolete) A turn.
Vehicle
A substance in which medicine is taken.
Car
(programming) The first part of a cons in Lisp. The first element of a list.
Vehicle
Any liquid with which a pigment is applied, including whatever gum, wax, or glutinous or adhesive substance is combined with it.
Car
A small vehicle moved on wheels; usually, one having but two wheels and drawn by one horse; a cart.
Vehicle
A liquid used to spread sensitive salts upon glass and paper for use in photography.
Car
A vehicle adapted to the rails of a railroad.
Vehicle
A conveyance that transports people or objects
Car
A chariot of war or of triumph; a vehicle of splendor, dignity, or solemnity.
The gilded car of day.
The towering car, the sable steeds.
Vehicle
A medium for the expression or achievement of something;
His editorials provided a vehicle for his political views
A congregation is a vehicle of group identity
Car
The stars also called Charles's Wain, the Great Bear, or the Dipper.
The Pleiads, Hyads, and the Northern Car.
Vehicle
Any inanimate object (as a towel or money or clothing or dishes or books or toys etc.) that can transmit infectious agents from one person to another
Car
The cage of a lift or elevator.
Car
The basket, box, or cage suspended from a balloon to contain passengers, ballast, etc.
Car
A floating perforated box for living fish.
Car
4-wheeled motor vehicle; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine;
He needs a car to get to work
Car
A wheeled vehicle adapted to the rails of railroad;
Three cars had jumped the rails
Car
A conveyance for passengers or freight on a cable railway;
They took a cable car to the top of the mountain
Car
Car suspended from an airship and carrying personnel and cargo and power plant
Car
Where passengers ride up and down;
The car was on the top floor
Common Curiosities
What are the main uses of cars?
Cars are primarily used for personal and family transportation.
Are bicycles considered vehicles?
Yes, bicycles are considered vehicles under many legal definitions.
What distinguishes a car from other vehicles?
A car is distinguished by being a road vehicle designed primarily for passenger transport.
Do all cars have four wheels?
The vast majority of cars have four wheels, although there are exceptions.
What types of cars exist?
Types of cars include sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, coupes, and convertibles.
Is every car a vehicle?
Yes, every car is a vehicle, but not every vehicle is a car.
Can vehicles be powered by electricity?
Yes, many vehicles, including some cars, are powered by electricity.
What is the significance of electric cars?
Electric cars represent a move towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation.
What defines a vehicle?
A vehicle is any means of transportation that carries people or goods from one place to another.
How do regulations for cars differ from other vehicles?
Car regulations specifically focus on passenger safety and environmental impact, differing from regulations for commercial or industrial vehicles.
How are vehicles regulated?
Vehicles are regulated through safety, emission, and operational standards, which vary by type.
Can cars be used for commercial purposes?
Yes, cars can be used for commercial purposes, such as taxis or delivery vehicles.
Are trucks considered cars?
No, trucks are a different category of vehicle, designed for transporting goods.
What is the role of vehicles in society?
Vehicles play a crucial role in transportation, commerce, and daily life, enabling mobility and economic activity.
How have cars evolved over time?
Cars have evolved from simple motorized carriages to complex machines with advanced safety, efficiency, and comfort features.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
