Why Smaller Cars Get Better Gas Mileage

Posted by Theresa Douglas

Better Gas Mileage

If you're looking for a vehicle that gets good gas mileage, one of the first things you might want to consider is the size of your car. A smaller car can be an easy way to save money on gas, but it's important to understand which sizes and types will get the most out of your investment. Why do smaller cars tend to get better gas mileage than large ones?

How Aerodynamics Play Into Gas Mileage


The relationship between aerodynamics and gas mileage is complex, but the main takeaway is that a car's aerodynamic profile affects how much air it needs to move through its engine. 


Cars with smaller, more streamlined profiles can produce more power with less fuel consumption because they have less drag — the force of air against the vehicle as it travels down the highway. 


Larger cars have more drag as they need more horsepower to overcome that resistance on a given trip.


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Weight


The car you drive is an important factor in how much gas your vehicle uses. Weight can account for as much as 40 percent of the difference in mileage between two cars. That's because less weight means less fuel usage when a vehicle accelerates and climbs hills. 


It also means that less force is required to maintain speed or keep a car moving forward on flat ground. A lighter car will also accelerate faster, so it gets better gas mileage than heavier vehicles with similar engines.


Consider buying a smaller car instead of a large one if you want better gas mileage — for example, compact sedans rather than large sedans or trucks. Subcompact hatchbacks instead of minivans. Hybrids instead of SUVs (SUVs have lots of extra space that makes them more energy-inefficient).




Smaller and More Powerful Engines


The first reason you’ll get better gas mileage with a smaller car is because of the engine. Engines are rated for specific fuel efficiency based on their size and power. So, smaller engines can be more efficient than larger ones.


This may seem strange at first — after all, don’t we associate bigger engines with more power? 


The truth is that many factors make up an engine’s efficiency rating: its size, whether it runs on gasoline or diesel fuel (or some combination thereof), how many cylinders it has — even the materials used in its construction matter. 


For example: In general, cars with four-cylinder engines tend to get better gas mileage than cars with six-cylinder engines because they use less fuel per unit of power produced by the engine (known as efficiency).


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Technology


When you read the word "technology," what comes to mind? For many people, technology means cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices. 


Did you know that some of the most important advancements in vehicle efficiency have come from computer-related innovations?


We’ve all heard about electric vehicles (EVs) like the Tesla Model S and Nissan Leaf. EVs are powered by electric motors that run on batteries charged by plugging into an outlet at home or work. 


But electric vehicles aren’t the only ones with high-tech components: Many cars today use regenerative braking systems that convert kinetic energy into electricity while slowing down. 


That electricity powers auxiliary systems such as air conditioning or heating during stops in traffic — and you can store it for later use when accelerating back up to speed.


Truck or SUV


What To Do if You Have a Truck or SUV


If you have a truck or SUV, there are several ways you can get better gas mileage. Here's what to do:

  • Get a smaller car. If your vehicle is larger than necessary for your needs, consider selling it and trading it up for something more efficient.

  • Buy a hybrid or electric vehicle instead. While these types of cars will cost more than standard-size vehicles, they're also much more fuel-efficient and may save you money in the long run—especially if they replace an older vehicle that was guzzling gas on previous trips.

  • Upgrade the engine on your truck or SUV with aftermarket parts like performance exhaust systems, intake kits, and computerized chips that increase horsepower without sacrificing fuel efficiency. 


Why do smaller cars tend to get better gas mileage than larger ones?


The smaller the car, the better gas mileage you will get. Why? Because larger vehicles weigh more. The more weight on your tires, the harder they have to work—and the less efficiently they'll go. 


The same is true for aerodynamic resistance: A large vehicle has a lot more surface area than a small one, meaning that air has to push against it with greater force to move it forward at any given speed.


The second reason smaller cars get better gas mileage is that their engines are typically more efficient because they're designed with fewer parts and use even less fuel per mile driven than larger vehicles' engines do. 


You can attribute this partly due to laws requiring automakers to sell cars that meet certain efficiency standards and partly due to newer models that tend toward greater efficiency.


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Questions and Answers 


You can decide if smaller cars are the type for you. Here are some common questions about small cars and their advantages that can save money at the pump. 


What is the main advantage of small cars?


One of the biggest advantages of smaller cars is that they're easier to drive, making them fun to drive and more control over your surroundings. 


This is especially true if you live in an urban area, where parking spaces are often small or nonexistent, and tight turns are common on city streets. 


Additionally, smaller cars can be less expensive than larger vehicles because they don't require as much metal (and therefore aren't as heavy), which can drive down costs for manufacturers and consumers alike.


Are there other advantages?


So, you're convinced a smaller car is for you. But what are the advantages?

  • Easier to park. Larger cars tend to be more difficult to navigate in city traffic and parking lots, which can be challenging when you need to fit into tight spaces or find your way out of a garage. If these problems sound familiar, then consider buying a smaller vehicle.

  • More fuel-efficient. Cars with larger engines burn more gas than their smaller counterparts — which means higher gas bills. If you're looking for something that will save on fuel costs over time, check out the list of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on sale today.

  • Easier maneuvering. For many drivers who need regular access to tight spaces such as driveways and garages (or bike storage), having great handling capabilities is essential, so they don't scrape against walls or other objects nearby during turns or backing up from parking spots.


What are some car sizes that get good gas mileage?


There are a few different car sizes that get good gas mileage. The most common car sizes that achieve excellent mpg are:

  • Sedans
  • Coupes (two-door cars)
  • Hatchbacks (four-door cars)
  • Minivans, which fall into the SUV category.


How much do these cars cost?


You may be wondering, how much do these cars cost? The answer is that they don’t cost very much. They are the cheapest cars you can buy. 


If a car costs $8,000 and gets 40 mpg, then it would save you around $10,000 in gas costs over five years of driving 15,000 miles per year. In other words, a small car will save you money regardless of whether it is new or used.


Conclusion


So, if you’re trying to save money on gas, it might be time to consider buying a smaller car. According to our research, the most efficient cars are small ones with manual transmissions and turbocharged engines. The downside? You’ll have to give up some space and comfort to save money on fuel costs. Still, if you’re looking for a way to save money or reduce your environmental impact by driving less often — these tips will help.



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