Dimensions

Let us now look at the various measurable aspects of the car.

These will help compare them in an organised way and will also give an idea of which is better.

Length – The distance from the front-most point on a vehicle to the rear-most point.

Width – Leftmost to rightmost point excluding  rear-view door mirrors.

Height – Measured from the highest point of the vehicle to the ground. All measurements are done while the vehicle is on a plane surface. Reported in millimeters (mm).

Front Track – Distance between front tyres (centerline)
Rear Track – Distance between rear tyres (centerline)

Measured in millimeters

Mostly the front track is wider than the rear. This is due to the weight distribution when a car takes a corner.

Wheelbase – The distance between the vertical axis of the front and rear wheel

Measured in millimeters  (mm)

 

Ground Clearance – Distance between ground (flat) and lowest point of the vehicle, measured in millimeters (mm

It is essential that both – ground clearance and wheelbase exist in optimal levels in a vehicle, only then will it be able to achieve good stability, ride quality and handling.

Boot space is the volume of luggage compartment mentioned in Liters  and indicates the capacity of luggage that can be carried. It is measures and reported in litres.

Boot space of a car is quantified by means of standard luggage as Samsonite suitcases, golf/ shopping bags etc. VDA procedure determines the boot space.

VDA is short for Verband der Automobilindustrie, which is loosely translated as the German automobile industry association. VDA is an umbrella group made up of all German car makers and automotive parts suppliers.

Turning Radius – The turning radius or turning circle of a vehicle is the size of the smallest circular turn (i.e. U-turn) that the vehicle is capable of making.