![SDVH [Self Drive Vehicle Hire]](https://sdvh.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SDVH_logo_concept_4-02.svg){kind=logo}
Central to a vehicle’s design, the wheelbase, which is the distance between the centre point of the front and rear axles, plays a vital role in determining how it performs on the road. When it comes to the long-wheelbase vs short-wheelbase debate, there’s a favourable argument for each side.
Knowing the perks and disadvantages of the various wheelbase lengths can make it easier to determine what wheelbase configuration is best for your next hire. Join us as we provide a clear distinction between long and short wheelbases while covering the best use cases for each wheelbase option.
Table Of Contents
What’s The Difference Between Long Wheelbase And Short Wheelbase?
The length is the difference between a long wheelbase (LWB) and a short wheelbase (SWB). Long wheelbases are longer because they have an extension on the end, which causes the wheels of the vehicle to be further apart.
An easy way to identify a long-wheelbase van is to check if there is a gap between the sliding door and the rear wheel arch. If there is a gap, then it is not an SWB vehicle. However, some van models have large sliding doors that extend to the rear wheels, whereas others have their extension behind the rear wheel.
Tip: You can determine wheelbase length by measuring the distance between the centre point of the front wheels and the centre point of the rear wheels.
Pros And Cons Of Long Wheelbase Vehicles
If you decide to go with a long-wheelbase vehicle, you must first consider its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
Hiring or buying an LWB vehicle is a matter of personal preference, so you have to examine its range of benefits, such as:
- Increased Passenger & Load Space: As you would expect, a longer wheelbase in a vehicle gives room for additional storage. The wheelbase allows for a larger vehicle body, which is why LWB vans are great choices for passenger or large cargo transportation. Long-wheelbase vans are also popular among people looking to do a van-life conversion.
- Stability & Smoother Ride: A long wheelbase also ensures a more comfortable ride. Because the wheels are further apart, there’s more time between the front wheels and rear wheels hitting the bump when you go over dips on the road.
- Fuel Consumption: You’d expect that an LWB van will consume more fuel, but it’s not as simple as that. LWB vehicles are less sporty and drivers tend to drive them with a lighter foot, leading to better fuel consumption. However, with the increased weight of the vehicle, it all balances out.
Cons
It’s not all good with LWB vehicles; they also have their cons, such as:
- Reduced Manoeuvrability: A longer wheelbase and its perks come at a detriment to manoeuvrability. Due to the extended distance between the front and rear wheels, these vehicles are usually more difficult to navigate on narrow streets. It also gives you a tougher job of finding a suitable parking spot.
- Limited Offroad Capability: A longer wheelbase also decreases the vehicle’s ability to handle challenging off-road terrain. The extended length causes difficulties when driving over obstacles and uneven surfaces.
Anyone looking to learn about cargo vehicles and their capacity should click here to check out our van sizes guide.
Pros And Cons Of Short Wheelbase Vehicles
It’s time to get into the pros and cons of a short-wheelbase vehicle.
Pros
The major benefits of driving a vehicle with a short wheelbase include:
- Manoeuvrability: The major con of an LWB vehicle works out as the pro of SWB vans. These vehicles are usually easier to manoeuvre due to their smaller size, which means you’ll have an easier time getting around tight corners and create less of a turning circle when making three-point turns.
- Sporty Feel: SWB vehicles are a lot more fun to drive than their LWB counterparts due to the short distance between the front and rear wheels. If you prioritise a sporty feel and a superb driving experience, you can’t go wrong with this.
- Tighter Handling: A shorter wheelbase contributes to a more agile and responsive vehicle. They are more nimble with tighter handling, making them suited to city driving or areas where there’s limited space.
Cons
Here are the cons of a short-wheelbase vehicle:
- Limited Interior Space: A shorter wheelbase obviously results in less room in the vehicle. This reduced space makes these vehicles less suitable for large cargo or passenger transportation.
- Reduced Stability: Short-wheelbase vehicles are more prone to instability, especially when driving at higher speeds because there is less time between the front and rear wheels hitting bumps and dips.
Medium wheelbase is the midpoint between long and short wheelbases. Learn about MWB vans here.
Wheelbase Applications & Use Cases
The wheelbase of a vehicle can often be determined based on its purpose.
Vehicles equipped with a long wheelbase include:
- Luxury Cars: Luxury cars are often equipped with a long wheelbase due to the stability and comfortable ride that come with this wheelbase type. The long wheelbase may be found in luxury sedans and limousines.
- Cargo Vehicles: The long wheelbase is utilised in commercial cargo vehicles like the Ford Transit due to the increased space and capacity that it provides.
To learn more about long-wheelbase vehicles and their sizes, check out our insightful blog post about LWB van dimensions.
Some popular examples of short-wheelbase vehicles include:
- Off-road Vehicles: The short wheelbase is popular among off-road vehicles due to the manoeuvrability it offers on rugged terrain.
- Hatchbacks: You’ll also find the short wheelbase in hatchbacks and other compact vehicles designed for urban driving. The shorter wheelbase makes it easy to navigate these vehicles on busy roads and narrow streets.
SDVH offers everything from LWB van rental to SWB vans for hire. No matter your preference, you can reach out to us to book a suitable vehicle today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Long Wheelbase Vs Short Wheelbase: How Do You Tell The Difference?
You can tell the difference between a long wheelbase and a short wheelbase by the length of the vehicle. Long-wheelbase vehicles are generally longer than those with short wheelbases. On vehicles with sliding doors, look out for a gap between the sliding door and the rear wheel arch. If there is a gap, then it is an LWB vehicle rather than an SWB vehicle.
Is Long Wheelbase Better Than Short Wheelbase?
No, a long wheelbase is not better than a short wheelbase. They both have positives and it all comes down to personal preference. While an LWB vehicle ensures increased cargo space, great stability and better fuel economy, their LWB counterparts are renowned for manoeuvrability, sporty feel and tighter handling. So what wheelbase type you should select essentially depends on what you’re looking for.
How Does Wheelbase Impact Driving Experience?
Wheelbase impacts the driving experience by playing a crucial role in comfort and agility. A longer wheelbase ensures stability and a smoother ride because there is a longer time between the front wheels and rear wheels hitting a bump on the road. LWB vehicles are also less sporty and typically driven with a lighter foot.
On the other hand, a shorter wheelbase can make a vehicle more agile and manoeuvrable, with a smaller turning circle when making three-point turns. You’ll also have an easier time getting around tight spaces.
Should You Consider Wheelbase When Towing?
Yes, you should consider the wheelbase when towing. A longer wheelbase can ensure stability and control when towing heavy loads by distributing the weight evenly between the front wheels and rear wheels. You’ll also find that LWB vehicles provide better leverage for steering and braking, which are important factors to consider when towing.
Does Wheelbase Length Influence Safety?
Yes, wheelbase length can influence safety in various ways. For one, the wheelbase length determines the stability of the vehicle. A longer wheelbase will keep your vehicle stable, reducing the risk of rollovers when driving at high speeds or making sharp turns. A long wheelbase can also enhance traction by distributing weight evenly between the front and rear axles.
Conclusion
We’ve come to the end of the long-wheelbase and short-wheelbase debate and it’s obvious that there is no clear winner. Both wheelbase types have their advantages and disadvantages and it comes down to personal preference. So it’s best to consider what you intend to use the vehicle for before thinking about wheelbase selection. LWB vehicles are renowned for their tighter handling and better fuel consumption, while SWB options excel at handling and manoeuvrability.
