Difference between economy car and compact car
Main difference
The main difference between economy and compact cars is that economy cars are generally smaller in size compared to compact cars.
Comparative chart
Basis of distinction | Economy car | Compact car |
Definition | A car designed for both purchase and operation at low cost | The compact car which is also called the mid-size car is bigger than a subcompact and inexpensive car |
Number of places | Up to 4 occupants | Up to 5 occupants |
Comfort | Comfortable for 1-2 adults and children | Comfortable for 1-5 adults and children |
Number of doors | 2 doors. Small sedans can have four doors | 4 doors. |
Luggage capacity | Several small bags or a medium suitcase | Space for large, medium and small suitcases. Space for small handbags too |
Fuel economy | Typically 30-35 mpg or even better | Typically 25-30 mpg or even better |
Rental cost | Affordable. Comparatively low | Relatively high |
Personalization | Not | Yes |
Weight | Cigarette lighter | Comparatively high |
Economy car
Economy cars are those that are designed for low-cost purchase and operation. They are small, lightweight and have a low purchase cost. The definition of economy cars can vary from region to region, but in general you need to find buyers’ incomes, fuel prices, and cultural customs. Better fuel efficiency and better mileage are the two basic factors that make these cars the car rental options. These appeal to the fuel budget conscious and don’t have as much seating capacity and luggage space. These generally accommodate four adults and a large suitcase and a small and large bag. The main goal of cheap car manufacturers is to make them available for a lower price and a low cost of repair and maintenance in the owner’s pocket. By current industry standards, these cars have an interior space of 100-109 cubic feet.
Compact cars that are also called small family cars are those types of family cars that are typically shorter in length compared to a mid-size car but larger than a subcompact car. According to the definition established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “the dimensions of a compact car are normally 4,100 mm and 4,450 mm long for hatchbacks, or 4,400 mm and 4,750 mm for convertibles, sedans (saloons) or vans (family car). It is worth mentioning here that multipurpose vehicles and small family car based sport utility vehicles that are also referred to as compact MPVs and compact SUVs have similar sizes, ranging from 4,200mm to 4,500mm in the US, and from 4. 400mm to 4,700. mm on international models «. Other countries may have different dimensions, but the special considerations are absolute. These cars are small too, but they are packed with advanced features. One of the main advantages of compact cars is that they can be customized. User can update it by adding additional accessories. Although they are more expensive, they offer decent mileage and have good legroom inside that can accommodate up to five adults. User can update it by adding additional accessories. Although they are more expensive, they offer decent mileage and have good legroom inside that can accommodate up to five adults. User can update it by adding additional accessories. Although they are more expensive, they offer decent mileage and have good legroom inside that can accommodate up to five adults.
Key differences
- Both economy and compact cars have size limitations, but this ratio is high in
- Most compact cars have a hatchback like the wagon, but this feature is not available in economy cars.
- Economy cars are more focused on saving money and maintenance costs, while compact cars are low in cost compared to economy cars, but they also offer the best performance.
- Economy cars are more popular and more widely used compared to compact cars.
- Economy cars offer better mileage compared to compacts
- Economy cars are easier to maintain due to low O&M costs compared to compacts
- Although economy cars are usually larger compared to compact cars, they offer less seating capacity compared to compact cars.
- Compact cars offer less fuel efficiency compared to economy cars.
- It’s easy to customize compact cars by introducing additional features like color, tires, TV, etc. While economy cars are difficult to customize.
- Economy cars have limited features, and these are lighter compared to compact cars.
- A compact car is designed for wealthy people who need to show off and who own a small car. On the other hand, an economy car is designed for people who want everything on a small budget.
- The interior volume index for a compact car is 100 to 109.9 cubic feet, while the interior volume index for economy cars is 85 to 99.9 cubic feet.