Small Cars vs. Trucks: The Debate Wages

I do not know about you, but I went through an 'I want a truck phase.' I think most people do at one point in their lives or another. Goodness knows why, but at a certain point, a truck may seem like a good idea – or cool, or efficient, or maybe you fancy the idea of going mud bogging in something that will not get stuck, or any of a variety of other reasons. You get the picture. The point here is – which is better, a car or a truck? In the battle of small cars vs. trucks, which one wins? Which one emerges as the ultimate victor? In truth, it is all a matter of personal preference – but preference can change when the facts are involved. Due to the rising, falling, re-rising gas prices we all get to enjoy these days, your choice of vehicle is more important than ever. When I bought my first car (an Isuzu Eye-mark, for those interested), I basically just wanted something that worked and, evidently, I also wanted something that looked like a box. For the second car, it had to be pretty. That kind of criteria is not very helpful any longer. None of us can really afford that kind of thinking so, hey, just for kicks, let's take a look at the pros and cons of small cars and trucks.

Unfortunately, there are definite trade offs. Even truck owners and drivers who love their trucks to the point of giving them affectionate names will have to admit that there are some disadvantages and inarguable cons to owning and driving a truck. For instance, the gas mileage is definitely not that great. And, as we all unfortunately know, gas mileage is something you have to consider with every vehicle these days. So, as far as that goes, a truck may literally not be worth it. If you spend more money on fill it up than you really have to spend, then you have to start weighing the pros and cons of having a truck.

Small cars, on the other hand, do tend to get better gas mileage. Of course, as with trucks, it depends on the make and model. As well, a lot small cars these days are hybrid cars, so you have to think about that as well. Anyway, in addition to being arguably more fuel efficient, small cars conserve more energy than trucks as well, simply due to the fact that they are smaller. I mean, come on, that makes a huge difference, and it is a difference which needs to be very seriously considered. For the average driver, who does not use his or her vehicle to load and carry things on a frequent basis, a small car will do the job just fine.

Then again, you have to sacrifice cargo space with them as well. This is also something to consider, especially since just about every truck manufacturer out there right now offers a model with four or more seats, plus all the space in the bed. Depending on your tires and whether or not it is a four wheel drive, your small car might not be as safe in inclement weather either.