Airplane vs. Automobile — What's the Difference?

A powered flying vehicle with fixed wings.

Operates independently on a variety of terrains.

Operates at high altitudes.

Utilizes internal combustion or electric engines.

Requires airports for operation.

A wheeled motor vehicle used for transportation.

Used predominantly for international and long-distance travel.

Primarily designed for road travel.

Subject to strict aviation regulations.

Subject to automotive safety and emission standards.

An airplane or aeroplane (informally plane) is a fixed-wing aircraft that is propelled forward by thrust from a jet engine, propeller, or rocket engine. Airplanes come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and wing configurations.

A self-propelled passenger vehicle that usually has four wheels and an internal-combustion engine, used for land transport. Also called motorcar.

A powered flying vehicle with fixed wings and a weight greater than that of the air it displaces; an aeroplane.

Of or relating to automobiles; automotive.

Any of various winged vehicles capable of flight, generally heavier than air and driven by jet engines or propellers.

A type of vehicle designed to move on the ground under its own stored power and intended to carry a driver, a small number of additional passengers, and a very limited amount of other load. A car or motorcar.

A powered heavier-than-air aircraft with fixed wings.

To travel by automobile.

(intransitive) To fly in an aeroplane.

Self-moving; self-propelled.

(transitive) To transport by aeroplane.

A self-propelled vehicle used for transporting passengers, suitable for use on a street or roadway. Many diferent models of automobiles have beenbuilt and sold commercially, possessing varied features such as a retractable roof (in a convertible), different braking systems, different propulsion systems, and varied styling. Most models have four wheels but some have been built with three wheels. Automobiles are usually propelled by internal combustion engines (using volatile inflammable liquids, as gasoline or petrol, alcohol, naphtha, etc.), and sometimes by steam engines, or electric motors. The power of the driving motor varies from under 50 H. P. for earlier models to over 200 H. P. larger models or high-performance sports or racing cars. An automobile is commonly called a car or an auto, and generally in British usage, motor cars.

A heavier-than-air aircraft. Same as aeroplane{2}.

To travel in an automobile.

An aircraft that has a fixed wing and is powered by propellers or jets;

4-wheeled motor vehicle; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine;

Travel in an automobile

Airplanes are subject to aviation regulations, whereas automobiles are regulated under vehicle safety and road laws.

Operating an airplane is generally more expensive than operating an automobile.

Airplanes travel much faster than automobiles, making them ideal for covering large distances quickly.

Airplanes operate in the air, while automobiles operate on land.

Airplanes can accommodate more passengers compared to most automobiles.

Airplanes require extensive and specialized maintenance, whereas automobile maintenance is generally simpler.

Airplanes usually use jet or turboprop engines, while automobiles typically use internal combustion or electric engines.

Airplanes are better suited for long-distance and international travel, whereas automobiles are better for local and medium-distance travel.

Safety measures are more stringent in aviation due to the complexities of air travel.

Airplanes are typically used for rapid, long-distance travel, while automobiles are used for daily commuting and local travel.

Airplanes require airports, while automobiles need roads.