Car vs. Cart — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 5, 2023
A car is a motor vehicle with four wheels for transport, while a cart is a two- or four-wheeled vehicle typically pulled by an animal or pushed by hand.
Difference Between Car and Cart
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Key Differences
A car is a motorized vehicle with an engine, typically designed to transport people or goods on roads. Cars come in various models and sizes, from compact cars to SUVs. A cart, on the other hand, is a non-motorized vehicle with either two or four wheels and is usually pulled or pushed by humans or animals. It is often used for carrying goods or as a means of conveyance in smaller areas like golf courses or factories.
The term 'car' implies a level of automation and sophistication. It includes systems like brakes, steering, and often sophisticated technology for comfort and safety. Carts are simpler, without the need for such systems, and rely on direct human or animal force for movement. Cars are a primary mode of transportation in modern society, while carts are often relegated to specific uses such as in agriculture, markets, or as utility vehicles in enclosed areas.
Cars are built for speed, distance, and carrying passengers comfortably over long distances. They are equipped with features like air conditioning, navigation systems, and safety devices. Carts are designed for simplicity and utility, lacking these features, and are used for shorter distances and as a practical means to transport goods in settings such as warehouses, farms, or markets.
Ownership and operation of a car typically require a driver's license due to their complexity and the speeds at which they travel. Operating a cart requires no such license, as they move at walking speeds and are simpler to control. Cars are subject to more stringent regulations and laws than carts, reflecting their use in public transport systems and the potential risks they pose.
Comparison Chart
Mode of Power
Engine-driven
Human- or animal-powered
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Typical Usage
Transportation of people or goods over long distances
Transportation of goods, often in smaller areas
Licensing Required
Yes, driver's license needed
No license typically required
Number of Wheels
Typically four
Two or four
Technology and Features
Advanced, including safety and comfort systems
Basic, without advanced features
Compare with Definitions
Car
A road vehicle, typically with four wheels, powered by an internal combustion engine and able to carry a small number of people.
She bought a new car last week.
Cart
A frame on wheels used for carrying heavy items.
They loaded the construction materials onto the cart.
Car
A railroad vehicle for passenger or freight transport.
The last car of the train was reserved for cargo.
Cart
A lightweight vehicle for transport within a facility, such as a golf cart.
They rented a cart to navigate the large golf course.
Car
Any wheeled vehicle.
His car broke down on the highway.
Cart
A small wheeled vehicle typically pushed by hand.
She used a cart to carry her groceries from the store.
Car
A part of an elevator or balloon.
We waited for the car to arrive at the lobby.
Cart
An open vehicle for carrying loads.
The cart was piled high with hay bales.
Car
A conveyance for air travel, which is part of a larger whole.
The car detached from the hot air balloon during the emergency.
Cart
A cart or dray (Aus. & NZ) is a vehicle designed for transport, using two wheels and normally pulled by one or a pair of draught animals.
Car
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.
Cart
A small wheeled vehicle typically pushed by hand
A shopping cart.
A pastry cart.
Car
An automobile.
Cart
A two-wheeled vehicle drawn by an animal and used in farm work and for transporting goods.
Car
A vehicle, such as a streetcar, that runs on rails
A railroad car.
Cart
The quantity that a cart can hold.
Car
A boxlike enclosure for people or cargo on a conveyance
An elevator car.
Cart
An open two-wheeled carriage.
Car
The part of a balloon or airship that carries people or cargo.
Cart
A light motorized vehicle
A golf cart.
Car
(Archaic) A chariot, carriage, or cart.
Cart
To convey in a cart or truck
Cart away garbage.
Car
A wheeled vehicle that moves independently, with at least three wheels, powered mechanically, steered by a driver and mostly for personal transportation.
She drove her car to the mall.
Cart
To convey laboriously or unceremoniously; lug
Carted the whole gang off to jail.
Car
(dated) A wheeled vehicle, drawn by a horse or other animal; a chariot.
Cart
A small, open, wheeled vehicle, drawn or pushed by a person or animal, more often used for transporting goods than passengers.
The grocer delivered his goods by cart.
Car
A four-wheeled cab, as opposed to a (two-wheeled) Hansom cab.
Cart
A small motor vehicle resembling a car; a go-cart.
Car
An unpowered unit in a railroad train.
The conductor coupled the cars to the locomotive.
Cart
(Internet) A shopping cart.
Car
(rail transport) an individual vehicle, powered or unpowered, in a multiple unit.
The 11:10 to London was operated by a 4-car diesel multiple unit.
Cart
A tape cartridge used for pre-recorded material such as jingles and advertisements.
Car
(rail transport) A passenger-carrying unit in a subway or elevated train, whether powered or not.
From the frontmost car of the subway, he filmed the progress through the tunnel.
Cart
A cartridge for a video game system.
My Final Fantasy cart on the NES is still alive and kicking.
Car
A rough unit of quantity approximating the amount which would fill a railroad car.
We ordered five hundred cars of gypsum.
Cart
(transitive) To carry or convey in a cart.
Car
The moving, load-carrying component of an elevator or other cable-drawn transport mechanism.
Fix the car of the express elevator - the door is sticking.
Cart
To carry goods.
I've been carting these things around all day.
Car
The passenger-carrying portion of certain amusement park rides, such as Ferris wheels.
The most exciting part of riding a Ferris wheel is when your car goes over the top.
Cart
(transitive) To remove, especially involuntarily or for disposal.
Car
The part of an airship, such as a balloon or dirigible, which houses the passengers and control apparatus.
Cart
To expose in a cart by way of punishment.
Car
(sailing) A sliding fitting that runs along a track.
Cart
A common name for various kinds of vehicles, as a Scythian dwelling on wheels, or a chariot.
Car
The aggregate of desirable characteristics of a car.
Buy now! You can get more car for your money.
Cart
A two-wheeled vehicle for the ordinary purposes of husbandry, or for transporting bulky and heavy articles.
Packing all his goods in one poor cart.
Car
(US) A floating perforated box for living fish.
Cart
A light business wagon used by bakers, grocerymen, butchers, etc.
Car
A clique or gang.
Cart
An open two-wheeled pleasure carriage.
Car
(obsolete) A turn.
Cart
To carry or convey in a cart.
Car
(programming) The first part of a cons in Lisp. The first element of a list.
Cart
To expose in a cart by way of punishment.
She chuckled when a bawd was carted.
Car
A small vehicle moved on wheels; usually, one having but two wheels and drawn by one horse; a cart.
Cart
To carry burdens in a cart; to follow the business of a carter.
Car
A vehicle adapted to the rails of a railroad.
Cart
A heavy open wagon usually having two wheels and drawn by an animal
Car
A chariot of war or of triumph; a vehicle of splendor, dignity, or solemnity.
The gilded car of day.
The towering car, the sable steeds.
Cart
Wheeled vehicle that can be pushed by a person; may have one or two or four wheels;
He used a handcart to carry the rocks away
Their pushcart was piled high with groceries
Car
The stars also called Charles's Wain, the Great Bear, or the Dipper.
The Pleiads, Hyads, and the Northern Car.
Cart
Draw slowly or heavily;
Haul stones
Haul nets
Car
The cage of a lift or elevator.
Cart
Transport something in a cart
Car
The basket, box, or cage suspended from a balloon to contain passengers, ballast, etc.
Cart
A vehicle designed for transport, using two wheels and normally pulled by one or a pair of draught animals.
He used a horse-drawn cart to bring the produce to market.
Car
A floating perforated box for living fish.
Car
4-wheeled motor vehicle; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine;
He needs a car to get to work
Car
A wheeled vehicle adapted to the rails of railroad;
Three cars had jumped the rails
Car
A conveyance for passengers or freight on a cable railway;
They took a cable car to the top of the mountain
Car
Car suspended from an airship and carrying personnel and cargo and power plant
Car
Where passengers ride up and down;
The car was on the top floor
Common Curiosities
Can carts be motorized?
Some carts, like golf carts, can be motorized, but they are generally slower and less complex than cars.
Are cars and carts used for the same purpose?
No, cars are mainly used for transporting people on roads, while carts are often used for transporting goods.
What distinguishes a car from a cart?
A car is motorized and designed for long-distance travel, whereas a cart is a non-motorized vehicle used for shorter distances.
Do you need a driver's license to operate a cart?
No, carts generally do not require a driver's license to operate.
Are cars allowed on highways, unlike carts?
Yes, cars are allowed on highways, while carts are typically not permitted.
Can carts be used on all types of terrain like cars?
Carts are limited to simpler terrains, while cars are designed to handle a wide range of road conditions.
How many people can a car typically carry compared to a cart?
Cars can typically carry 2 to 8 people, while carts are usually for goods and occasionally one or two people.
Can children operate a cart?
Yes, in many cases, children can safely operate a simple hand-pushed cart.
Can both cars and carts be rented?
Yes, both can be rented, but car rental is a more formal process requiring a license.
Are carts environmentally friendly compared to cars?
Generally, yes, since most carts do not emit pollutants, unlike gasoline or diesel cars.
Are there electric cars and electric carts?
Yes, both electric cars and electric carts are available and are becoming more popular.
What maintenance does a car require compared to a cart?
Cars require regular mechanical maintenance, while carts need minimal upkeep like wheel greasing.
Is car insurance required, unlike for carts?
Yes, car insurance is legally required in most places, whereas carts do not need insurance.
Can carts travel as fast as cars?
No, carts are much slower than cars.
Do carts have safety regulations like cars?
No, carts have fewer safety regulations due to their lower speeds and simpler construction.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
