Car Specification Sheet Terms Simplified

A car specification sheet is a detailed document that provides an overview of the key features, dimensions, and performance specifications of a particular vehicle. While specification sheets don’t tell you the complete story of a car, they are a very useful way of getting a valuable snapshot of what the car has to offer. With it, buyers can make informed decisions, and see if the car gives them what they need. But as this guide will prove, a specification sheet isn’t just about technical details; there’s a lot more value that can be derived from it, and we’ll break down all the components to simplify how you can use it effectively.

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What is a Car Specification Sheet?

Think of a car specification sheet as a document that has all the vitals of a car. It provides a summary of its key attributes, helping buyers, sellers, and enthusiasts evaluate and compare cars objectively.
 

Purpose of a Car Specification Sheet

• For buyers: Helps in comparing models, understanding suitability, and determining value for money.
   
• For sellers: Highlights a car's features and strengths to attract potential buyers.
   
• For enthusiasts: Provides detailed insights into a car's performance and capabilities.
   

Common Scenarios where it is used

• Buying a new car: Choosing between models and trims.
   
• Selling a used car: Providing clear, factual details to buyers.
   
• Researching: Understanding market trends and staying updated.

Key Sections of a Car Specification Sheet

Every car specification sheet has a few key sections that provide readers a detailed picture about the vehicle in question. This is not a standardised format and varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but in general they have the following information.
 

General Information

• Make, model, year, and variant: Identifies the car, its manufacturer, year of manufacture, and version.
   
• Ex-showroom price: The cost before adding elements like registration cost, insurance, any other charges, optional packages and offers.
   
• On-road price: The final price, including road tax, insurance, registration charges, and other fees. These can add 10–20% or more to the ex-showroom price, depending on the state and car segment.
   

Engine and Performance

• Engine type and capacity: Refers to the kind of engine (petrol, diesel, hybrid, electric) and its size, measured in cubic centimeters (cc). For instance, a 1.5-litre engine indicates a capacity of 1500cc (or a number slightly higher or lower that has been rounded off).
   
• Power: Indicates the maximum power output of the vehicle. The standard of measuring power varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but a commonly used metric is brake horsepower (bhp).
   
• Torque: Refers to the pulling power of the vehicle, which is crucial for tasks like towing or quick acceleration. Measured in Newton metres (Nm).
   

Transmission Types

• Manual: Requires the driver to manually change gears via a gear shifter.
   
• Automatic: Simplifies driving with no manual gear changes. Within automatic transmissions, there are further divisions like automated manual transmissions (AMTs), continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), torque converters (AT), and dual-clutch automatics (DCTs).
   

Fuel Efficiency and Emission Standards

• Fuel efficiency: Measured in kilometres per litre (kmpl), usually results from a controlled lab test.
   
• Emission standards: Compliance with norms like BSVI (Bharat Stage VI) ensures reduced pollution levels.
   

Dimensions and Weight

• Length, width, height, and wheelbase: Determines the car's overall size, interior space, and stability. A longer wheelbase often translates to more cabin space.
   
• Ground clearance: Critical for navigating India's uneven roads and speed bumps. SUVs typically feature a higher ground clearance than sedans and hatchbacks.
   
• Boot space: Refers to the luggage capacity, measured in litres. A higher number is desirable for families and frequent travelers.
   

Dry Weight vs Kerb Weight vs Gross Weight

• Dry weight: The weight of the car without any load; of passengers, luggage or fluids.
   
• Kerb weight: The car's weight with fuel and fluids, but without passengers.
   
• Gross weight: The total weight, including passengers, fuel, fluids and luggage.

Features and Equipment

Exterior Features
 

• Lighting: LED headlamps, DRLs (Daytime Running Lights), and fog lamps improve visibility and aesthetics.
   
• Tyres: Includes wheel size (inches) and type (alloy, steel).
   
• Sunroof: Panoramic or electric sunroofs are becoming a popular addition in cars across the board.
   

Interior Features
 

• Infotainment system: Touchscreens, smartphone connectivity (Android Auto/Apple CarPlay), and details of the speakers equipped.
   
• Seating and upholstery: Leather or fabric seats, seat adjustability, and configurations like captain seats or bench seats in SUVs.
   
• Comfort features: Climate control, air-conditioning vents (front and rear), and ambient lighting.
   

Safety Features
 

• Airbags: Dual front airbags are mandatory in all new passenger vehicles in India since 2021.
   
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): Prevents skidding during sudden braking. ABS is a mandatory inclusion in all new passenger vehicles in India sold from April, 2019.
   
• ESC/ESP (Electronic Stability Control/Program): Maintains stability during sharp turns.
   
• Tyre Pressure Monitors: Informs and alerts the driver of a slow puncture, preventing any major accident.
   
• Other tech: Lane assist, rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera are just some of the modern safety features that cars come equipped with.
   
• Safety programs: An increasing number of new vehicles are today being tested by independent bodies in an effort to help consumers identify the safest vehicles. These vehicles are rated on points systems by the likes of Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP, which are two popular programs in India.

Fuel Type and Mileage

Fuel types: Petrol, diesel, hybrid, or electric.
 

• Petrol cars are usually cheaper but less fuel-efficient than diesel.
   
• Nowadays, diesel engines provide better mileage but are costlier upfront. If a diesel is still preferable though, considering a used diesel will improve the value equation.
   
• Electric and hybrid cars are emerging options, offering reduced running costs and environmental benefits.
   

Mileage: Typically given in kmpl for petrol/diesel cars and kilometers per charge for electric vehicles. City mileage is often lower than highway mileage due to traffic and stop-and-go conditions.

Warranty and Service

• Warranty period and mileage: Manufacturers offer warranties on their vehicles (3 years/1,00,000 km, as an instance) covering manufacturing defects. Some manufacturers provide extended warranties at an additional cost for peace of mind.
   
• Service intervals and costs: Knowing periodic maintenance schedules (like every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes earlier) and associated costs helps estimate long-term ownership expenses.

Understanding the Basics of Car Specifications

Car specification sheets come with various technical terms that denote various aspects of its performance, like fuel efficiency and power and torque outputs.

• Horsepower (bhp): A higher horsepower means better speed but it may compromise fuel efficiency. In most cases, it is a value expressed in brake horsepower (bhp).
   
• Torque (Nm): A higher torque figure ensures better pick-up/acceleration and towing capacity, especially in SUVs.
   
• Fuel efficiency: Often measured under ideal conditions. Most cars receive fuel efficiency ratings from ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India). The main purpose of ARAI is to ensure emissions compliance and adherence to CAFE norms. ARAI’s quoted mileage and real-world application will vary, though.

Real-World Implications of Stated Numbers

• A high ground clearance of 180mm, as an instance, can be considered adequate for a majority of Indian roads but may increase the car's center of gravity, impacting cornering ability.
   
• Compact dimensions are better for urban driving and manoeuvring, but larger vehicles offer better comfort and luggage space.  
   

Comparing Car Models Through Specifications

Car manufacturers almost always launch their vehicles in various trims and variants. This is done to ensure a broader appeal of their vehicles for prospective buyers with varying budgets and preferences. This results in specification sheet variances for a particular car model.
 

Why Specification Sheets Vary Across Models

• Trim differences: Higher trims offer additional features like better upholstery, advanced safety tech, and infotainment systems with additional capability.
   
• Optional features or packages: Some manufacturers allow customisations, such as alloy wheels or upgraded audio systems.
   
• Regional variations: Cars sold in different Indian states may have slight differences due to local regulations, road conditions, or customer preferences.
   

Tips for using a Specification Sheet Effectively

Specification sheets can be an effective tool for understanding what a car has on offer. As a result, it’s important to know how to extract the information from the document that’s most applicable to your preferences and requirements.
 

Focus on Key Parameters

• For city driving, prioritise mileage, compact dimensions, and an automatic transmission.
   
• For highways, look for a better power output, stability, and safety features.
   

Match Features with Needs

• Families may prefer more boot space and safety features.
   
• Enthusiasts might focus on engine performance and handling. Here, a test drive will go a long way in confirming what the numbers are trying to convey.
   

Beware of Marketing Gimmicks

• Scrutinise claims like ‘best-in-class mileage’ and check user reviews or third-party tests for real-world data.

Common Misconceptions About Specifications

A car specification sheet is an excellent snapshot of what a vehicle is capable of and what it has on offer. However, it is no more than a snapshot. It’s important to understand that a specification sheet can only convey so much about a car, and that certain aspects can only be understood by test driving or living with the vehicle for an extended period. Some of the factors to keep in mind are:

• Overestimating performance metrics: High horsepower or torque outputs may look good on paper, but they may not always translate to better drivability in urban traffic. The gross weight, efficiency and speed of the transmission, the quality of the tyres, and the brakes, to name just a few, all contribute to the way the vehicle performs on the move.
   
• Misunderstanding fuel efficiency figures: Advertised mileage is often based on ideal test conditions, which may differ from real-world scenarios. ARAI-sourced fuel efficiency figures are what most cars come with, and they should be used as nothing more than a benchmark with which comparisons with other vehicles can be made. 
   
• Ignoring maintenance and service: Affordable upfront costs can be misleading if the car has high long-term maintenance expenses.

Conclusion

Specification sheets are useful documents that give readers a way to compare, analyse, and shortlist their requirements from vehicles. They provide an almost-complete snapshot of a vehicle’s capabilities, dimensions, features, and performance. Once you understand a specification sheet’s components, it becomes an easy process to make a decision on a vehicle that aligns with your budget, lifestyle, and driving requirements. Whether you’re buying your first vehicle or upgrading to a premium model, this knowledge gives you the power to cut through marketing hype and focus on what truly matters on the road.

All the same, it should always be kept in mind that specification sheets are just numbers and letters on paper. The real-world feel of a test drive is irreplaceable and should be on everyone’s lists while shortlisting vehicles. Only once you marry the information off a specification sheet to the knowledge gained by a real-world driving experience will you be able to truly make an informed decision on a vehicle.