Understanding Vehicle Specs in Port Charlotte, FL


Guide to Understanding Vehicle Specs

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with choosing the perfect vehicle, our representatives at Mazda of Port Charlotte can help take the stress out of your experience by allowing you every step of the way. To ensure you feel confident and informed throughout the process, we've created a comprehensive guide that explains the most frequently used car terms. With our expert guidance, you can breeze through the car-buying process and drive away in the vehicle that meets all your needs.

Common Car Terms You Should Know

  • Turbocharged vs. Naturally Aspirated – The difference between a turbocharged engine and a naturally aspirated engine is that a turbocharged engine helps increase power by using a turbine to move compressed air through the engine, while a naturally aspirated engine uses atmospheric pressure to move the compressed air.
  • Wheelbase – The wheelbase is the distance from the rear to the front wheels and helps determine stability, handling, and maneuverability.
  • Towing Capacity – If you plan on towing cargo on your next adventure, it’s important to know the maximum capacity that your vehicle can tow safely.
  • Suspension – When there are road imperfections, your suspension will absorb the bumps and allow you to enjoy a smooth driving experience.
  • Drivetrain– Your vehicle's drivetrain helps to distribute power to the wheels. The most common drivetrains include:
  • All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD): The power is sent equally to all four wheels and is most beneficial in off-road vehicles.
  • Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): The power is sent to the rear wheels, and this drivetrain is most commonly used in high-performance vehicles.
  • Front-wheel drive (FWD): The power is sent to the front wheels and can help improve the handling and traction.
  • Transmission – The transmission is responsible for transferring power, and two common transmission include:
  • Automatic Transmission: The automatic transmission can seamlessly change gears without drive input.
  • Manual Transmission: The manual transmission needs the driver to change gears using a clutch and stick shift.
  • Horsepower (HP) – The horsepower determines the amount of power your vehicle has. Higher horsepower means more power.
  • Reading Engine Descriptions – The type of engine in your vehicle helps establish the amount of power. For example, the 2024 Mazda CX-50’s available engine is a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, which means:
  • Turbocharged: The vehicle has more power thanks to its turbine, which helps move compressed air.
  • 2.5-liter: The size of the engine is measured by its displacement in liters, so the CX-50 has a 2.5-liter engine, which is a total volume of 2.5 liters.
  • 4-Cylinder: The CX-50 has an engine with four cylinders, which makes it a 4-cylinder.
  • Torque (lb-ft)– The power your vehicle uses to accelerate when stopped.
  • Curb Weight – This refers to the weight of your vehicle when empty.
  • MPG (Miles Per Gallon) – How far your vehicle will be able to travel on a single gallon of gas.

Find Your Next Vehicle at Mazda of Port Charlotte

If you’re looking for a new or pre-owned vehicle, head over to the Mazda of Port Charlotte and browse our selection of vehicles that are sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Our knowledgeable team is always available to answer any questions you may have about the car-buying process. Visit us today and see for yourself why Mazda of Port Charlotte is the best choice for your next car purchase.

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