How do I Compare Performance in Vehicles?

Compare performance in new and used vehicles from your home computer. A wealth of information is available to shoppers, both from manufacturer websites and informational guides--all designed to help consumers learn about vehicles. From engine size to strut types and everything in between, the Internet offers easy-to-access comparison tools. Know where to look to accurately compare performance specifications.

Instructions

New Cars

1

Go directly to the manufacturer's website to view accurate performance specifications, such as Honda, Kia, Hyundai, Ford, Audi or any manufacturer of choice. From the home page of the manufacturer's website, go to the vehicle line-up to find the vehicle you want to compare.

2

Click on the vehicle you want more information about. When you're brought to the breakdown of vehicle features and options, click on the Performance option. Review performance features offered by the manufacturer for the particular vehicle you've chosen.

3

Click on any performance highlighted items. For example, a manufacturer that offers a five-speed automatic transmission will offer an explanation of its benefits. If you're interested in a vehicle with 4X4, click on the explanation of the 4X4 option to fully gauge its operation--some 4X4 systems are automatic using primarily front- or rear-wheel drive unless the system electronically suspects the need for the other wheels to engage.

4

Continue going to each manufacturer's web page to review performance options--click on options to understand how the manufacturer pairs its performance items before comparing vehicles in a side-by-side comparison. For example, a turbocharger paired with a smaller engine offers better cylinder compression and more horsepower.

5

On the manufacturer's web page, find the Compare Vehicles option. Here you can compare the model you're interested in against competitors or other models made by the same specific manufacturer. Print out individual performance details or explanations and do so for each manufacturer vehicle, if necessary, or just use the vehicle's comparison tools if you have an understanding of different performance features.

Used Cars

6

Go to a vehicle information sites, like MSN Autos or Kelley Blue Book. Go to the Used Car option (see Resources).

7

Input all vehicle information when prompted. Choose your model and level appropriately for accurate results.

8

Click on the Performance option once you've reached the vehicle's detail page. Review performance specifications. You may want to read through the professional or model review for the car you're interested in, as you can find out about engine, transmission and other performance changes throughout the years of production.

9

Print out any information you find necessary. Some used car informational sites offer side-by-side comparisons, so look on the page to determine if the option is available.