Is a 4.6-meter car considered big or small?
3 Answers
A 4.6-meter car is considered big, as there are very few cars exceeding 5 meters in length nowadays, with most being around 4 meters. Here are the reasons why most vehicles are around 4 meters: 1. Increased difficulty in handling: Many experienced drivers have noticed that longer cars are harder to maneuver. Smaller cars can easily navigate through traffic, but longer cars have difficulty turning, much like the large trucks seen on roads that must be very careful when making turns or U-turns to avoid hitting other vehicles. 2. Body rigidity: When a car is too long, the requirements for the manufacturing materials become much higher. If the material quality is not up to standard, the material itself may bend when extended over a long length, making it impossible to support other car components. Therefore, car manufacturers without advanced technology cannot produce very long cars. 3. Price issue: As the length of a car increases, the manufacturing cost also rises significantly. With higher costs, the selling price of the car will inevitably be higher, so cars exceeding 5 meters in length are generally luxury vehicles. 4. Parking space: In China, parking spaces are typically designed to be 5 meters long. A car around 4 meters fits perfectly in a parking space, but if the car exceeds 5 meters, part of it will stick out, increasing the risk of scratches or collisions when other cars park nearby.
From the perspective of an ordinary person who has driven for several years, a 4.6-meter-long car is considered medium-sized. It's very convenient for city driving, as standard parking spaces are about 5 meters long, making parking easy and hassle-free. The rear seats can comfortably accommodate three people without feeling cramped, and the trunk can hold all the family's luggage. I've driven SUVs like the Honda CR-V, which is about 4.6 meters long, with a fuel consumption of around 9 liters in the city—more fuel-efficient than larger SUVs and more comfortable than smaller sedans. It's perfectly adequate for family trips with kids and shopping, especially stable on highways without feeling floaty. Larger sizes make reversing difficult and increase fuel consumption, while smaller sizes compromise space and safety, so the 4.6-meter golden ratio offers the best balance of affordability and practicality.
From a young car enthusiast's perspective, 4.6 meters is considered a standard compact SUV size in the circle—not overly large. Similar to the length of a Toyota RAV4 or Volkswagen Tiguan, parking in the city occasionally requires some attention but isn't difficult. The handling is excellent, with solid stability during high-speed cornering, and the space is ample enough to fit camping gear. Compared to subcompact cars, it offers much more cargo capacity—perfect for weekend trips with four friends. Fuel consumption ranges between 7-10 liters, which is reasonable and not wallet-burning. For beginners, a car of this size is recommended, striking a balance between daily driving practicality and fun.
