Understanding Vehicle Specs in Thomasville, GA

Common Car Specs Explained


Understanding Vehicle Specs at Thomasville, GA

If you’re trying to purchase a vehicle, you first need to have a clear understanding of specific vehicle terms so you can focus on a vehicle that meets your unique needs. Information like horsepower, MPG, and torque is essential to deciding which vehicle you want. Our team at Thomasville Ford Lincoln has put together a guide of the common specs you should keep in mind before purchasing a vehicle.

Commuter Vehicle Specs to Consider

If you’re a commuter, you’ll want to make sure that your daily drive is comfortable and fuel-efficient. You’ll probably want to focus on modern technology and better gas mileage. The type of vehicle you drive determines how its fuel efficiency is calculated. If you drive an electric vehicle, the vehicle measures its efficiency in miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), and if you drive a gas-powered vehicle, it is measured in miles per gallon (MPG). Here are the differences between these two measurements:

  • MPGe: This is the energy your vehicle has to travel a set distance.
  • MPG: The fuel efficiency is measured by the number of miles your vehicle can travel per gallon.

Performance Vehicle Specs to Know

The performance aspect of your vehicle is also an essential factor to consider. You’ll want to know how easily your vehicle can merge onto the highway or pass another vehicle. There are several important terms that you should understand when deciding on a vehicle; those terms include:

  • Torque: This term refers to the twisting or turning force a vehicle produces.
  • Agility: This refers to how well your vehicle can take turns and maneuver in crowded spaces.
  • Manual Transmission: The engine requires manual power from the driver to switch between gears, which is done by using a clutch and stick.
  • Zero-60: The time your vehicle takes to go from zero to 60 miles per hour.
  • Horsepower: This is the power of the engine.
  • Engine Type: If your vehicle is a diesel, gas, or electric vehicle. This information is essential, especially when determining the type of fuel your vehicle will need.
  • Automatic Transmission: This is when the transmission automatically switches between gears without help from the driver.
  • Engine Size: The number of cylinders in the engine determines the engine size.

Off-Road Vehicle Specs to Consider

If you’re looking for an off-roading vehicle, you’ll want to have a clear understanding of terms that can help you determine which off-roading vehicle meets your needs.

  • Axle Articulation: This is your axle's maximum up and down movement.
  • Ground Clearance: This is the minimum distance between the lowest end of the vehicle and the ground.
  • Drivetrain:
    • FWD (Front Wheel Drive) – The engine sends power to the front wheels.
    • AWD (All Wheel Drive) – The engine sends power to all wheels equally, which can be beneficial if you need better traction on rough terrain.
    • RWD (Rear Wheel Drive) – The engine sends power to the rear wheels, seen prominently in high-performance vehicles.
  • Departure Angle: This is how steep of an angle that vehicle can maneuver without interference.
  • Approach Angle: This term refers to the highest angle at which your vehicle can climb from a horizontal plane without scraping.

Truck Specs to Consider

When you’re in the market for a truck, you’ll want to consider factors like how well it can haul cargo, so check out these terms to determine which truck meets your needs.

  • Curb Weight: This is the weight of your vehicle when it is not carrying cargo or passengers.
  • Towing Capacity: This is how much your vehicle can tow efficiently.
  • Cab Size: How big your cab is determines the available space for passengers.
  • Payload: This term refers to the weight your vehicle can haul, including the passengers and cargo.

Once you have a full understanding of which specs to look for in a vehicle, you can visit the Thomasville Ford Lincoln dealership located at 1515 East Jackson Street, Thomasville, GA, 31782. We look forward to your visit.