If you try to find out the weight of your car, you will realize that there are several indicators of this criterion. There is a clean, curb and full mass. These indicators often differ by 400-800 kilograms or more, it all depends on the size and carrying capacity of the car. And if net weight is the weight of a car without any additions and even without oil in the engine, then curb weight reflects the weight of a car that is completely ready for use. This means that the curb weight includes the weight of technical fluids, a full tank of fuel, but does not take into account the maximum weight of cargo and passengers. Gross weight, in turn, taking into account the curb weight with the potential weight of the permissible number of passengers and cargo.

It is understood that the gross weight is hypothetical and may vary depending on the weight of the passengers. And we rarely carry a full trunk of cargo. Therefore, this indicator is hypothetical and not very accurate. It is rarely useful. Net car weight is also never a useful indicator, because you will not operate a car without antifreeze, fuel, engine and transmission oil. It is the curb weight that is one of the most important indicators for each car.

European measurements of the curb weight of the car

Each country may have its own formula for determining the curb weight of a vehicle. It is this criterion that is taken into account when cars are allowed to enter a bridge or dam, so it is extremely important to obtain accurate data in order to avoid overloading. In Europe, 75 kilograms is added to the curb weight of a car - the average weight of one person. This allows you to get clear data on how much the car weighs on the road. In Russia, one of the GOST clauses related to the operation of cars provides for the following features:

• 75 kilograms is added to the curb weight of the car - the weight of the driver, as a necessary element of the car's trip;
• a bus or long-distance truck, if there is room for a crew member, add another 75 kilograms to the vehicle weight;
• the weight of the necessary tool, which is present in the car or bus, is also taken into account;
• at least 90% of the weight of the vehicle's full fuel tank is added to the unladen weight of the vehicle;
• the spare wheel must be taken into account, and the weight of the jack, fire extinguisher and other elements is added.

There are also several formulas for the individual determination of the curb weight. For trucks, this point is extremely important, because at weighing points minus the curb weight, you can check the weight of the baggage, the maximum permissible weight of the car, and so on. Therefore, in individual cases, inspection services can apply formulas to calculate the unladen weight of a car, taking into account the parts present in the car, the number of people, and so on. Many drivers do not understand at all why they need to know the equipped or any other weight of the car.

Why do you need to know the curb weight of a car?

There are many situations in which you may need information about the curb weight of a vehicle. First of all, this is towing. Each car has a maximum towable weight. If you ask to tow a car that technically cannot pull your car, you will have to deal with various problems later. You should remember about the curb weight of the car and in those situations when you pass dangerous places, local bridges over small rivers. Some of these places even have warnings that limit the weight of the machine. Therefore, you should always follow these rules:

• when buying a car, you should immediately find out its curb weight, which is indicated by the manufacturer;
• it is necessary to find out the formula by which the curb weight was calculated and remember the figure;
• if you need to estimate the weight of the car, you can add the weight of the people in the car to the value of the mass;
• also do not forget about situational luggage, which is not included in the curb weight of your car;
• you shouldn't worry about fuel, oil, fire extinguisher and first aid kit - these elements are already taken into account in the indicators.

As you can see, it is necessary to know the curb weight indicator for the car owner. This is one of the important points of technical characteristics, which takes into account all the subtleties, of which sometimes up to 500 kilograms are gained. You will never calculate the optimal weight of a machine if you only know the net weight. But find out if the driver's weight was involved in calculating the curb weight for your vehicle. This can be checked with an authorized dealer or on the manufacturer's website in the technical support of the owners.

We buy tires and wheels - another use of the curb weight

When you buy new rims for a car, there is a risk of problems if the weight of the car does not match the capacity of the rims. In this case, any bump will turn into a metal destroyer, steel disks will bend, and cast ones will get cracks. It's also important to keep the weight of the car in mind when choosing a rubber. If you do not take into account the rubber load index, the most unpleasant consequences can occur. Among the common problems that a mismatch between the weight of the car and the rubber load index causes, the following points can be called:

• destruction of the rubber cord and blowing out various irregularities on the side surface or working part of the tire;
• the fastest wear of the tread and uneven wear of the working rubber layer due to too strong pressure;
• inability to properly inflate the wheels in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations;
• lack of normal car control, since the tires change the trajectory of the car;
• reduced vehicle operation safety for a number of reasons;
• very bad influence on the braking distance - a decrease in the resistance of the rubber during braking;
• poor roll-off and increased fuel consumption due to rolling resistance.

These unpleasant consequences can happen simply because you did not take into account the curb weight of the car when buying tires or wheels. This proves once again that the vehicle weight is important enough for the normal operation of the vehicle. It is worth writing down the curb weight of the car and dividing this value by four in order to select the optimal tires or wheels. After all, manufacturers indicate the maximum weight per tire in kilograms that one tire can withstand. To distract from technical considerations, we suggest you watch a very exciting video about one of the most unique cars in the world:

Summing up

All the technical characteristics of the car are very important during the operation of the car, so you should not throw out the papers given to you in the salon when buying a car as soon as the warranty period expires. The car will serve you for a long time and will not become a problem if you always remember what the curb weight of your car is, which consumables are better to buy, how much oil you need to fill, and so on. And in this regard, the curb weight remains a rather important criterion that allows you to maintain high-quality machines and buy consumables and materials.

If you don't know the curb weight of the car, you should always understand where you can find it. To do this, you need to keep at hand (in the bookmarks of an Internet browser in a mobile phone, for example) a website with a full description of the technical characteristics of various cars. In this catalog you will find the necessary data on the equipped and full weight, you can in any situation get information about which parts are better for you to buy. Do you know what is the curb weight of your car?

In the automotive field and everything related to this area, 2 such basic concepts are used as the curb weight of a car and the gross weight of a car. These two characteristics are those that are sure to be told about in theoretical classes held in an automotive school. Nevertheless, many, even very experienced, drivers do not know or have simply forgotten what is covered by this terminology.

What is the curb weight of a car

The curb weight of the vehicle is the total, i.e. the total mass of the car with a set of standard equipment, all its operating consumables that are required (for example, coolant and engine oil), a fully fueled tank, the driver's weight, but without the weight of the cargo and the weight of the passengers.

What is the gross vehicle weight

The gross vehicle mass, or, as it is also called, the gross permissible mass is the mass of the vehicle, which is the maximum permissible and includes: the weight of the driver, the weight of the passengers, the mass of the entire equipped vehicle, as well as the mass of the cargo transported by the vehicle.

What is the difference between curb and gross vehicle weight

If you understand the differences between these two concepts, then the point is what exactly is included and summed up in the total mass indicator. Unlike the indicator of the curb weight of a car, the indicator of its total weight also takes into account the weight of the driver, the weight of the passengers of the car, and the mass of those goods that are in it (transported).

It is absolutely natural that people are all different - each person has a different weight. The same applies to the luggage of the car - some drivers can “store” the car so that it cannot move from its place, and some - are more careful and transport the goods within reason. In this regard, most often among motorists, such a concept as "permissible gross vehicle weight" is used. Each car has its own highest solvable mark, it all depends on the manufacturing company, the materials used in the production of the car, as well as the structure of the car body and other bearing parts of the car. It is important not to load your own car so that this figure is exceeded. If you do not adhere to this, then gradually during the operation of the car, its body, bridge systems, and also many other parts that are fixed to the car's suspension will deform. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that with the full curb weight of the car - fuel, it will absorb significantly more.

A question from a reader:

« Good day. Help me deal with the weight of the car! There are many different indicators, the head is spinning, and two are indicated in the TCP! For example - what is the permissible vehicle weight? What is no load? And the last thing is the curb weight of the car? Thank you in advance. Luda»

The question is really interesting. I will try to explain in simple words, read our article ...

To begin with, it is worth noting that this is a very important characteristic. With this value, it is possible to calculate the fuel consumption as well as the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle. For example, a car with the same technical component (engine power and identical transmissions) may differ in dynamics due to the weight of the car. Even a difference of 20 - 50 kg can greatly affect the dynamics of the car, the difference can be 1-2 seconds, and this is significant. That is why everything unnecessary is removed from racing cars in order to lighten the body as much as possible, and accordingly increase the dynamics of the car. Also - the lighter your car, the less it consumes. If the car body is light, the engine does not need to push the heavy body at high revs, medium revs are enough and the speed is gained, therefore, the consumption is less.

As you can see, mass influences a lot. Therefore, manufacturers are trying to lighten the bodies of modern cars as much as possible, using stronger and lighter materials such as aluminum alloys, carbon, etc.

But as you correctly noted in the TCP, and in the car operation book, there are many different masses. Let's go in order.

Dry weight of the vehicle

Such a term is rarely used in everyday life; it is mainly used by manufacturers on test benches. "Dry" is the mass of the car, without equipment that is not rigidly attached, and also without oils (engine and transmission), without fluids (cooling, brake, washer fluid), without fuel, without tools, without passengers and without any cargo ... That is, almost a "naked" car.

Unloaded mass (if fully - the mass of the car in the "curb" without load) sometimes also the curb weight of the car

Is in the designation in the TCP. No load (but in running order) is the mass of the car, without a driver and passengers, without cargo, but with a full supply of fuel, the necessary tools and spare consumables (jack, pump and spare wheel) and full equipment with fluids. That is, both gasoline and all oils and fluids (cooling, brake, washer fluid) are all there.

Permitted maximum weight (in TCP it is indicated as permissiblemax mass)

This is the maximum permissible mass established by the manufacturer with the driver and passengers, with cargo, with all liquids, with fuel, with tools, as well as with towing devices that affect the mass (trailers, motorhomes).

With this maximum weight, the car retains its technical properties, if you exceed it, then the movement may not be safe. The suspension may simply not be able to withstand. It should be noted that manufacturers take into account the driver and passengers weighing 75 - 80 kg.

These are the masses of the car. I hope my article was useful to you.

One of the key characteristics of a car is its weight. The weight of a vehicle directly affects fuel consumption and the operation of many of the systems in the vehicle.

When choosing a new car for themselves, many buyers think about the question of its curb weight, gross weight and maximum permissible weight. After all, vehicles are often used to transport passengers and large loads. If the machine is not designed for the required loads, it will not be suitable for the planned operation.

It is corny that the driver must understand how many passengers and luggage he can take on board, so as not to harm his car, not to provoke a breakdown of the suspension or other components due to overload.

The basic concepts of vehicle mass characteristics are described in theoretical terms. Many do not consider such information useful, but they come across it after a while. Because of this, motorists have difficulties when studying this issue.

Curb weight concept

This is the most common concept that automakers, official dealers focus on, and which drivers themselves look at.

The curb weight of any car is the weight or mass of a vehicle, which includes the weight of all standard equipment, operating materials, but does not take into account the weight of the cargo, passengers and the driver.

Standard equipment usually includes stock and tools. As for operating materials, they consider fuel, engine and transmission oil, coolants and other components.

You can describe in a slightly different way what the curb weight is in any factory car. This is the total weight of the components of the empty vehicle, driver and passengers, but with a full fuel tank and all standard tools, equipment and fluids. In fact, this is a car in the form that is supplied to car dealerships. It contains all the essentials, but there is nothing superfluous that the car owner himself will gradually accumulate.

Determining the value of this characteristic is not difficult. This is due to the fact that the curb weight, like the gross vehicle weight, is often. But they mean different parameters. Therefore, first you should look at the technical data sheet. Also, such information is available even before buying a car, since manufacturers and sellers must prescribe these parameters in the list of technical characteristics.

It is important to add that the EU has adopted a slightly different norm, according to which the driver's weight is included in the total unladen weight. This takes into account the standard weight of 75 kilograms.

The decision is quite reasonable and has a logical explanation. The point is that the movement of a vehicle will be impossible in the absence of a person in it, that is, a driver. It is considered a significant component of the car, which is why automakers find it wrong to classify drivers as payloads.

Curb weight has a different name. This is the unloaded mass. As for the total mass of the vehicle, then everything is somewhat different.

It is in the concept of total mass that the weight of equipment, consumables, driver, cargo and passengers is additionally included. From here it is not difficult to tell the difference between the two. It consists in the weight characteristics of the passengers in the car, the driver himself and the cargo located in the cabin or luggage compartment.

Another important characteristic is considered to be the dry weight of a vehicle. It includes the net weight of the machine itself, its structure. In this case, the weight of standard equipment, fuel, consumable fluids should be subtracted from the equipped weight. Then we get that very dry mass.

Calculation features

Each country has the right to use its own formula to determine the curb weight of a particular vehicle. This is not surprising, since such a criterion is key for the admission of vehicles to areas where there are restrictions on weight. This primarily applies to bridges, as well as dams and other similar structures.

As already noted, in Europe, the average weight of a motorist is additionally added, that is, an indicator of the average weight of a person. This way you can better generate data on the weight of the car.

If we talk about the rules for the Russian Federation, then when calculating the curb weight, the following points are taken into account:

• 75 kilograms. As in the case of the European Union, there is a rule in Russia to add the average person's weight to the curb weight. It is based on the simple concept that the driver is an essential component for the vehicle to move;
• if these are trucks or buses intended for, with a structurally provided place for a crew member, they also add 75 kilograms;
• tools. The curb weight must include a list of tools necessary for the motorist;
• 90%. It is this volume of the filled fuel tank that is included in the curb weight. If we take a standard tank volume of 60 liters and roughly calculate the mass of fuel, it turns out that about 55 kilograms are taken into account as a surcharge to the curb weight;
• spare wheel. A mandatory component is a spare wheel;
• jack, fire extinguisher, etc.

Summing all these parameters with dry weight, the final value is obtained, which is indicated in the technical documentation of the car.

It is worth noting the fact of the existence of special formulas that allow you to individually calculate the curb weight. This is especially true for trucks that pass through special points for the weighing procedure. If you subtract the curb weight from the weights, you can find out the exact weight of the load, the maximum weight and other characteristics.

Therefore, in certain situations, the controlling services use calculation formulas to determine this parameter.

Why is it important to know

There are a number of life situations of a motorist when he needs or just needs to know exactly the parameters of the curb weight of his vehicle.

Each vehicle has a certain weight limit for the transported and towed cargo. If you get stuck and ask the driver of a car that is technically unable to handle such loads to tow you, the consequences will be negative for both sides.

Also, the curb weight should be remembered when passing difficult sections, bridges, dangerous places, etc. On the roads there are special warning signs showing the maximum weight you can drive here.

Payload mass concept

Having dealt with the concepts of the mass of a car without a load, we are now interested in a slightly different mass of the car. Experts and ordinary motorists believe that the most significant from the point of view of vehicle operation is such a characteristic as carrying capacity. It is also called payload mass. But the concept of carrying capacity is clearer and simpler. This will not change the essence in any way.

The carrying capacity of a vehicle is understood as the total weight of all cargo transported by a vehicle, which meets the operational and general technical characteristics of the vehicles.

It is important to take into account the division of the payload mass into nominal and calculated ones.

In the case of the calculated one, only the weight is taken into account, which is maximally capable of transporting a particular vehicle. In the case of the nominal, the quality of the road surface on which the cargo is transported is taken into account. If this is a hard surface, then cars are capable of transporting from 500 kg. cargo and more. In the case of trucks and dump trucks, figures appear in the region of 25-30 tons.

Total mass concept

Next, let's figure out what, according to the rules, is called the permissible maximum or gross vehicle mass. Many people identify such concepts as the curb and gross weight of a car or truck. But this is not entirely correct.

There is a significant difference between these meanings, which cannot be overlooked. This will be a serious mistake.

If we talk about what the full or maximum allowable mass of a car means, then here we mean the weight of the equipped and extremely loaded vehicle, which was laid down at the stage of model design. Additionally, the weight of the driver and his passengers is taken into account.

Each individual brand and specific vehicle model has its own indicators of permissible or gross weight. In many respects, this characteristic depends on what materials were used in the production of body parts, interior elements and other components.

Mm (maximum mass) \u003d Msn. (equipped) + Mgr.p. (cargo and passengers) + Мв. (driver)

It is highly discouraged to violate the requirements for maximum vehicle loading. If there are too many cargo and people on board, which will exceed the loads prescribed in the technical documentation, this will lead to serious problems. The suspension will be the first to suffer. Also, the risk of encountering deformations of the body itself increases.

Differences between full and equipped

To finally understand these concepts, it is necessary to make some clarity regarding the equipped and total mass. Many people know that these concepts are different, but how exactly they differ, they cannot say for sure.

The whole point here is what exactly is included in the general indicators of the two characteristics. If compared with the parameters of the curb weight, then the full weight of the motorist himself, that is, the driver, passengers on board, etc., will be additionally taken into account.

It cannot be denied that not all people meet the standards laid down in the technical parameters. The weight of 75 kilograms is considered an average, since the driver can weigh both 50 kilograms and 150 kilograms. People are different, and hence the difference in their weight arises.

The situation is similar with the transported baggage and cargo. Someone practically does not use the luggage compartment, and at most transports several packages from the supermarket a couple of times a week. Others regularly fill the trunk as much as possible with various objects, things and goods. It comes to the point that the rear suspension lowers from such a load, and the car barely gets under way.

This difference in characteristics has led to the active use of the concept of permissible total mass. Each separately taken vehicle has a limit mark in terms of load, which the structure does not allow to cross. This was foreseen by car manufacturers even at the design and production stage.

The more a vehicle is loaded, the more intensively fuel is consumed, the consumption of not only gasoline, but also oil increases, the tires wear out faster, the wear of the suspension elements and the engine itself accelerates.

This does not mean at all that the car cannot be used as a means of transporting baggage or passengers. There is no need to prohibit anyone other than the driver from getting into the car. But it is necessary to adhere to the maximum loads established by the manufacturer. Otherwise, you run the risk of serious breakdowns, body deformation and other troubles.

In fact, all the concepts considered are quite simple. It will not be difficult to understand them and determine the difference.

In the automotive field and everything related to this area, 2 such basic concepts are used as the curb weight of a car and the gross weight of a car. These two characteristics are those that are sure to be told about in theoretical classes held in an automotive school. Nevertheless, many, even very experienced, drivers do not know or have simply forgotten what is covered by this terminology.

What is the curb weight of a car

The curb weight of the vehicle is the total, i.e. the total mass of the car with a set of standard equipment, all its operating consumables that are required (for example, coolant and engine oil), a fully fueled tank, the driver's weight, but without the weight of the cargo and the weight of passengers.

What is the gross vehicle weight

The gross vehicle mass, or, as it is also called, the gross permissible mass is the mass of the vehicle, which is the maximum permissible and includes: the weight of the driver, the weight of the passengers, the mass of the entire equipped vehicle, as well as the mass of the cargo transported by the vehicle.

What is the difference between curb and gross vehicle weight

If you understand the differences between these two concepts, then the point is what exactly is included and summed up in the total mass indicator. Unlike the indicator of the curb weight of a car, the indicator of its total weight also takes into account the weight of the driver, the weight of the passengers of the car, and the mass of those goods that are in it (transported).

It is absolutely natural that people are all different - each person has a different weight. The same applies to the luggage of the car - some drivers can “store” the car so that it cannot move from its place, and some - are more careful and transport the goods within reason. In this regard, most often among motorists, such a concept as "permissible gross vehicle weight" is used. Each car has its own highest solvable mark, it all depends on the manufacturing company, the materials used in the production of the car, as well as the structure of the car body and other bearing parts of the car. It is important not to load your own car so that this figure is exceeded. If you do not adhere to this, then gradually during the operation of the car, its body, bridge systems, and also many other parts that are fixed to the car's suspension will deform. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that with the full curb weight of the car - fuel, it will absorb significantly more.

Passenger car - a car designed to carry passengers and luggage, with a capacity of 2 to 8 people. With more seats for passengers, the car is considered a bus (minibus). The first car was created in 1876.

Classification of passenger cars

I would like to note that the classification of passenger cars, both in the class of wheeled vehicles and within this class, is in itself rather arbitrary: some cars may be "transitional" between classes, or even by all indications belong to two or more classes at the same time ...

In addition, the classes themselves change their definition, the size of the cars, and so on. This is best illustrated by the constant physical growth of the same model line. For example, the BMW 3 Series, which debuted as a very compact car, has now grown to the point that it brought to life the BMW 1 Series.

In addition, the classification of cars is highly dependent on the specifics of the country's legislation. So, for example, in Russia, cars belonging to the passenger class cannot have a total mass of more than 3500 kg, and in the USA - 8600 pounds (3904 kg); in Germany, a passenger car with a station wagon or hatchback body, provided that the rear seats and belts are dismantled and the rear side windows are painted over, can be registered as a truck; in the United States, for a long time, all off-road vehicles were considered a “truck”, regardless of weight and size; customs regulations of the Russian Federation require that an imported vehicle with a maximum permissible weight of up to 3500 kg be registered as a truck - if the mass of the payload exceeds the mass of passengers and the driver (75 kg per seat), and a light vehicle - if the mass of the driver and passengers exceeds the permissible mass of the payload ; etc.

Cars by class

• Class A. 3-door and 5-door hatchback. Small dimensions - length - no more than 3600, width - no more than 1520
• Class B.3- and 5-door hatchbacks, rarely sedans, length 3500-3900, width 1520-1630

• Class C.Hatchback, sedan, station wagon or UPV. Length 3.9 - 4.4 m. Width 1.6 - 1.75m

• Class D.Hatchback, sedan, station wagon and high-capacity station wagons. Length 4.4 - 4.7 m. Width 1.7 - 1.8m

• Class E.Sedans and station wagons. Length over 4.6 m. Width over 1.7m

• Class F.Sedans, limousines. Length over 4.6 m. Width over 1.7m

• Minivans and high-capacity vehicles... Hatchback, sedan, station wagon or UPV

• SUVs... 3- or 5-door station wagons, rarely with a removable soft top. The capacity is from 4 to 9 seats. The purpose is quite universal, although it can be very specific.

• Coupe... Coupe with a capacity of 2 or 4 seats

• Open body... Convertibles, Roadsters and Spiders

In real life, you can also classify cars by purpose.

"Passenger cars". Designed to carry passengers and / or small amounts of cargo on roads with improved surface. They do not have increased cross-country ability (even with all-wheel drive!), Exit from the road or overcoming a small ford can be carried out exclusively "at the risk and peril" of the driver. The subclass "passenger cars" are "sports cars".

These cars are not intended for racing, but are designed to provide increased driving pleasure to their owner. The range of "sports" solutions can start from the manufacturer's installation of a "sports body kit" on an ordinary model (for example, Chevrolet Lacetti WTCC, Opel Vectra OPC-line), and ending with the release of highly dynamic models (Honda NSX, Chevrolet Corvette, Lamborgini Murcelado ...) - "SUVs ".

This class of cars can be operated in real off-road conditions and is structurally adapted to this. - The now popular class of "crossovers" (aka "SUVs") is intermediate between passenger and SUVs.

These cars have increased cross-country ability relative to "passenger cars", but do not have a full set of off-road qualities and do not allow to overcome serious off-road conditions. - "commercial" cars are often created on the basis of "passenger cars", but at the same time they are intended mainly for the transportation of small consignments in the interests of business, and not only.

Interestingly, there is a tendency to "return" to the function of a passenger car: for example, on the basis of the popular Opel Corsa, the Opel Combo cargo van was created, in which a volume of about 3m3 for cargo is organized behind the backs of the front seats, and the Opel Combo Tour is immediately offered, where in a spacious , previously the cargo compartment, passenger seats are installed. Such a car (like many competitors) differs from a purely "passenger passenger" progenitor by a much more spacious interior and a high ceiling.

Classification of other passenger cars

G1 - coupe
G2 - premium coupe
H1 - convertibles and roadsters
H2 - premium convertibles and roadsters
I - off-road wagons
K1 - light off-road vehicles
K2 - medium SUVs
K3 - heavy off-road vehicles
K4 - pickups
L - minivans
M - small commercial

Passenger cars are passenger cars with a capacity of up to 8 people, including the driver.

Passenger cars are classified according to their purpose, classes, general layout, and body type.

By appointment, cars are divided into general purpose vehicles and off-road vehicles. The purpose depends on the ability of this model to move in various road conditions.

General purpose vehicles are intended for driving on roads of various categories, mainly on highways. General purpose vehicles include VAZ, GAZ, KIA, Volga and others.

Off-road vehicles can move off-road and are designed for operation not only on paved roads, but also in off-road conditions. Off-road vehicles include Niva and UAZ vehicles.

Depending on the general layout, domestic cars are divided into rear-wheel drive (classic layout), front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive

The classic layout assumes that the engine is located above the axle of the front wheels. The wheel formula of such cars is 4x2. The drive to the drive wheels of the rear axle is carried out by means of a propeller shaft. For example: VAZ-2107 "Lada", GAZ-3110 "Volga".

The front-wheel drive layout scheme became known in our country relatively recently. In this scheme, the engine and transmission are located directly above the front axle, representing a common power unit with a torque output to the front wheels. The entire unit is thus compactly located in the front of the body. Wheel formula: 2x4. Examples: VAZ-2170 "Priora", KamAZ-11113 "Oka". The all-wheel drive layout "assumes the location of the engine and the drive on the rear axle similarly to the classical scheme, and a transfer case, center differential and a second propeller shaft are provided for the front axle drive. Examples:" Chevrolet - Niva ", UAZ Hunter.

According to the number of compartments in the body, domestic cars are divided into two-volume (VAZ-2120 "Nadezhda", VAZ-2111 "Lada", BA3-21093 "Samara") and three-volume (GAZ-3102 "Volga", VAZ-2115 "Samara") ...

The class of the car depends on the engine displacement expressed in liters and on its unloaded weight. Limiting indicators for classes are given in table.

Division of passenger cars by class

European classification of passenger cars

Extra small cars are designed for 4 people, other models - for 5 people.

According to the body type, modern domestic passenger cars can have a body of the following type: sedan, hatchback, station wagon, pickup and van.

Basic passenger car models are assigned a four-digit index, in which the first digit indicates the vehicle class, the second indicates the vehicle type, and the third and

the fourth indicates its model number. Additional numbers may be added to the index to indicate modifications to basic vehicle models.

The full designation of the model includes the abbreviated name of the manufacturer.

For example: VAZ-21109 "Consul", where VAZ is the Volga Automobile Plant; 2 - vehicle class; 1 - type (passenger); 10 - base model number; 9 - modification number (4-seater limousine) "Consul" - trade mark.