Understanding Vehicle Specs in Auburn, NY

Must-Know Car Specs Explained

If you've entered the market for your next vehicle, you're likely researching each option closely before making your decision. While you investigate each vehicle, it's possible that you'll encounter specs and features that you might not be very familiar with. At Fox Subaru, we know that informed decisions are good decisions, so we'd love to clear up those automotive terms for you. Let's go over the essential vehicle spec vocabulary.

• Horsepower (HP): This is the power an engine produces to move a vehicle. High horsepower typically implies a faster vehicle.
• Torque: A measure of a vehicle's capacity for rotational force. High torque allows a vehicle to get moving from a stop with ease and climb steep inclines.
• Miles per Gallon (MPG): Fuel efficiency is calculated by how many miles per gallon of gas a vehicle can travel.
• Transmission: Transmission carries engine power to the wheels. It can be automatic, which shifts gears according to the speed you need, or manual, which lets you shift gears via the shift knob or paddle shifters in your cabin. A continuously variable automatic uses pulleys and belts to switch between speeds and does not have the fixed gears of other transmission styles.
• Drivetrain: Manufacturers offer various models with either Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD), or All-Wheel Drive (AWD). While FWD and RWD are suitable for normal driving conditions, 4WD and AWD offer added traction for slick surfaces and off-roading. Subaru helps you stay ready for anything by offering most models with standard AWD.
• Curb Weight: The vehicle's weight without any cargo or passengers.
• Wheelbase: Length of a vehicle between front and back axles. Long wheelbases often offer a smooth ride and extra cabin space.
• Dimensions (Length x Width x Height): A car's size. The dimensions can be helpful if you need to figure out how well a vehicle could fit into a driveway or gate.
• Ground Clearance: The measure of distance between the ground and the lowermost parts of the vehicle. If you take your vehicle off-road, a high ground clearance helps you avoid scraping the vehicle on obstacles and uneven surfaces.
• Tire Size: The size and type of tire on a car can influence its efficiency and traction, so it's good to check to see what tires are best suited for your model before buying replacements.
• Infotainment System: Technology tools and features on your vehicle, which could include systems like navigation and audio. These features are usually accessed via a touchscreen or display screen with physical controls.
• Connectivity: These tech tools facilitate connecting your smart devices with the infotainment system or Wi-Fi. They can include a Wi-Fi Hotspot, Bluetooth®*, and smartphone integration.
• Safety Features: These tech options help you stay safe and alert at the wheel, with options like automatic emergency braking or forward collision warning.
• Warranty: A vehicle comes with a warranty so that the manufacturer can cover necessary repairs for a set number of years or miles traveled. Longer warranty terms usually indicate the manufacturer's faith in that model's reliability.

Visit Our Subaru Dealership in Auburn, NY

When you know what to look for, you can make each car-shopping decision with confidence. That's why we want to help you understand every step of the process, from finding the vehicle you need to securing the right auto loan. We're here to work with you at Fox Subaru, so come visit us whenever you're ready to bring home the car of your dreams.

We look forward to seeing you soon at 188 Grant Avenue, Auburn, New York 13021.

*Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Subaru is under license. A compatible Bluetooth®-enabled phone must first be paired. Phone performance depends on software, coverage and carrier.