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People like luxury cars because of top quality, unique features and elevating social status. But you don’t need a luxury car for most occasions. A small vehicle with the most basic features to get you from one point to another is often sufficient. That’s where economy cars come in. But what is an economy car?
An economy car is a simple vehicle that emphasises practicality and affordability. These cars tend to be small and suitable for occasions when you’re travelling alone or with one other passenger. This article discusses the features of an economy car and compares it to a compact car because people often confuse those two.
What is an economy car? An economy car is a car that is practical and affordable. These vehicles are great choices for people who want to minimise their transportation expenses. Economy cars are the smallest group of cars and they tend to come with seating space for only two to four people.
Because of their small sizes and basic engines, economy cars are ideal vehicles for people who want to reduce their carbon footprint without switching to electric cars. Economy cars also tend to come with only basic features and amenities.
Tip: Consider an economy car with seating space for four people if you want those with more space.
Click here to learn what a luxury car is.
A Compact Car
A compact car is a small sedan or hatchback vehicle. These vehicles are typically larger than economy cars but smaller than regular-sized or large cars. You can identify compact cars by the size of their interiors. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), a compact car has an interior volume of between 100 and 109 cubic feet (2.8 and 3 cubic metres).
Similar to economy cars, compact cars prioritise fuel economy. Their smaller size and light weight help them achieve better mileage than large or mid-sized vehicles. Most compact cars can comfortably seat four passengers, but some models have seating for up to five people.
Besides luxury vehicles, opposite to compact and economy cars are also prestige and executive cars. But what is a prestige car?
An Economy Vs A Compact: Pros & Cons
Although most rental companies categorise economy cars as compact cars, they are not the same. An economy car varies from a compact car in different areas, and each one has its pros and cons.
An Economy Car’s Pros & Cons
Here are the pros and cons of an economy car:
Pros
- Affordability: Economy cars are typically more affordable than compact cars and other comparable vehicles, which makes them great for anyone on a budget. Aside from purchases, economy car rentals are also cheaper than compact rental cars.
- Fuel economy: Economy cars offer more gas mileage due to their lighter frames and less powerful engines.
- Easy parking and manoeuvrability: Due to their small size, it is easy to park economy cars in small parking lots. You can also easily manoeuvre them when driving through narrow streets and areas with high traffic.
- Environment-friendly: Hiring an economy rental car can help reduce your carbon footprint compared to other options. These vehicles have very small engines; therefore, they produce minimal gas emissions.
Cons
- Scarcity: Due to the low rental cost, there is usually high demand for economy cars. Therefore, you may not get a vehicle if you wait until the last minute to rent an economy car.
- Lack of space: Economy cars are less spacious than compact cars. An economy automobile is likely to have a low seating capacity and very small cargo space, making it unsuitable for a road trip with several friends or family.
- Limited horsepower: Economy cars may not accelerate as fast as compact vehicles due to their smaller, less powerful engines.
Tip: When selecting an economy car, look for models with high miles-per-gallon ratings for maximum fuel efficiency.
A Compact Car’s Pros & Cons
Here are the pros and cons of a compact car:
Pros
- More space: Although compact vehicles are small, they have more legroom and luggage space than economy-class vehicles. Therefore, a compact rental car is a great option for anyone who needs more space than economy rental cars can provide.
- Low fuel consumption: While compact vehicles may consume more fuel than economy-class cars, they are still more fuel efficient than most other vehicle options.
- More features: A compact rental car is a great option if you need a vehicle with better features than an economy car.
Cons
- Limited power: Although they may be more powerful and accelerate faster than economy cars, compact cars still have small engines. Therefore, they move slower than larger vehicles.
- Not suitable for large groups: A compact car has more luggage capacity than an economy company. However, its trunk space and seating capacity is insufficient for a large group.
Our Economy vs Compact Car article provides more insight into the difference between these two vehicle classes.
Should You Choose An Economy Car?
You should choose an economy car if you don’t need a vehicle with much seating space or a large luggage capacity. Economy cars typically seat only two to four passengers comfortably, and they have limited space for luggage. These vehicles are generally great for city driving as they can help you navigate through high-traffic roads.
In the end, it depends on how much luggage and people you intend to carry. In most cases, the best option is to rent an economy car or similar rental cars when you need them.
Tip: You are best of with estate cars, MPVs (read here) and SUVs (read here) if seating and cargo space are your big concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Considered An Economy Vehicle?
What is considered an economy vehicle is a small car with a basic engine. Economy cars are fuel-efficient and affordable. They also have low rental cost when compared to other vehicle options. However, they have limited space for luggage and cargo. Examples of economy cars are the Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris.
What Is The Difference Between An Economy And A Compact Car?
The difference between an economy and a compact car is that an economy car is smaller than a compact car. Economy cars typically have seating space for two to four occupants. A compact vehicle may be able to carry up to five passengers. Compact cars also tend to have more features than economy options.
Which Is Better: An Economy Or A Compact?
An economy car is better than a compact vehicle for anyone who prioritises affordability when buying or renting a vehicle. Economy vehicles have limited space and features, which makes them less costly. On the other hand, a compact car is a great option for anyone who wants a small car with a bit more space than an economy car.
What Are The Most Popular Models Of An Economy Car?
The most popular models of economy cars are the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, Kia Rio, Fiat 500, Chevrolet Spark, Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. This class of vehicles is great for anyone who needs a small car for city driving. Many of these vehicles are available for hire through rental companies.
Conclusion
So, what is an economy car? Economy cars are small vehicles that emphasise affordability, practicability and fuel efficiency. These vehicles are ideal options for anyone who requires a car for basic errands and short-distance travel. Although economy cars may not have high-class features, they tend to your basic transportation needs effectively.
