Understanding Vehicle Specs in Meridian, MS

Learn Common Car Terms

If you're looking to purchase your next vehicle but feeling overwhelmed with all the choices out there, we're here to help. At Honda of Meridian, our representatives are committed to making your car-buying experience as stress-free as possible by being there for you every step of the way. We understand that buying a car can be stress-inducing, which is why we've put together a comprehensive guide to help you understand the most common car terms. You'll feel confident and informed throughout the process, allowing you to drive away in a vehicle that can keep up with your busy schedule.

Common Car Terms You Should Know

• MPG (Miles Per Gallon) – The distance your vehicle can travel is measured by how many miles it can travel on a single gallon of gas.
• Turbocharged vs. Naturally Aspirated – Turbocharged engines are equipped with a turbine to help increase power by moving compressed air through the engine, while naturally aspirated engines allow the atmospheric pressure to move the compressed air.
• Torque (lb-ft) – The torque helps determine how much power your vehicle has to accelerate from a stopped position.
• Wheelbase – The wheelbase is important for determining maneuverability, stability, and handling and refers to how far the front and rear wheels are from each other.
• Curb Weight – The curb weight is how much your vehicle weighs empty; it is important for determining towing capacity.
• Towing Capacity – When you need to tow something behind your vehicle, it’s important to know the maximum weight your vehicle can tow without jeopardizing your safety and the safety of others.
• Reading Engine Descriptions – The engines in each vehicle are different, but understanding the engine description is important when determining if the vehicle has the ability to keep up with your daily responsibilities. For example, the 2024 Honda CR-V is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, which means:
• Turbocharged: The engine has a turbine that helps move compressed air through the engine for more power.
• 1.5-liter: The CR-V has a 1.5-liter engine which packs a total volume of 1.5 liters.
• 4-Cylinder: The size of the engine is measured by the number of cylinders it has which means the CR-V has four cylinders.
• Suspension – When you travel over bumps or road imperfections, the suspension helps to absorb those disturbances and provide a smooth drive.
• Horsepower (HP) – The more horsepower your vehicle the more acceleration power your vehicle has.
• Drivetrain – When choosing a vehicle, it’s important to know which drivetrain works best for your needs. Three common drivetrains include:
• Front-wheel drive (FWD): Only the two front wheels receive power.
• All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD): All four wheels receive power. The difference between the two is that 4WD has the option to be 2WD, while AWD does not.
• Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Only the rear wheels receive power.
• Transmission – The way power is transferred into the transmission is determined by the type of transmission it has.
• Manual Transmission: The driver uses a clutch and stick shift to change gears.
• Automatic Transmission: The engine automatically switches gears without the driver’s help.

Find Your Next Vehicle at Honda of Meridian

When you’re ready for a new or pre-owned vehicle, stop by the Honda of Meridian dealership and check out our wide selection. We’re confident that you’ll find a vehicle that has everything you’re looking for, and our knowledgeable team is always available to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to your visit.