Car vs. Automobile — What's the Difference?

Common term for passenger vehicles.

Formal term for motor vehicles.

Applies to various types.

A self-propelled passenger vehicle.

Used in everyday conversation.

Often found in professional contexts.

Short and colloquial term.

Used in technical or historical texts.

A vehicle for personal transport.

Reflects innovation and independence.

A car (or automobile) is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transportation. Most definitions of cars say that they run primarily on roads, seat one to eight people, have four wheels, and mainly transport people rather than goods.Cars came into global use during the 20th century, and developed economies depend on them.

Of or relating to automobiles; automotive.

An automobile.

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 vehicle, such as a streetcar, that runs on rails

To travel by automobile.

A wheeled vehicle that moves independently, with at least three wheels, powered mechanically, steered by a driver and mostly for personal transportation.

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.

(dated) A wheeled vehicle, drawn by a horse or other animal; a chariot.

To travel in an automobile.

A four-wheeled cab, as opposed to a (two-wheeled) Hansom cab.

(rail transport) an individual vehicle, powered or unpowered, in a multiple unit.

The passenger-carrying portion of certain amusement park rides, such as Ferris wheels.

A small vehicle moved on wheels; usually, one having but two wheels and drawn by one horse; a cart.

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

"Car" is shorter, simpler, and fits more easily into everyday conversation and language.

Generally, "automobile" refers to passenger vehicles, not commercial vehicles like trucks or buses.

Yes, both terms refer to motor vehicles for personal transport, though "automobile" is more formal.

Professionals might use both, but "car" is more common in marketing and consumer-related contexts, while "automobile" might be used in formal or technical discussions.

The choice can reflect the formality of the context but typically does not hinder understanding due to their synonymous meanings.

Yes, in formal writings, historical discussions, and within the names of certain professional organizations.

Yes, "automobile" might evoke a sense of sophistication or nostalgia, while "car" is more neutral and contemporary.

While not outdated, "automobile" is more formal and less commonly used in casual speech today.

"Car" has become the dominant term in everyday language, while "automobile" retains a formal, classic appeal.

Both terms accurately describe passenger vehicles, with no inherent difference in accuracy.

Technological advances in vehicles do not fundamentally change the use of these terms, as both adapt to include new types of passenger vehicles.

In legal and insurance contexts, both terms are understood but documentation may prefer "automobile" for its formality.

Preference for "automobile" might stem from a desire for formality, specificity, or historical context.

Usage can vary by region, with "car" being universally recognized, while "automobile" may be preferred in formal or academic contexts internationally.

While its usage may decline in favor of "car," "automobile" is unlikely to become obsolete due to its formal and historical significance.