What is the difference between China V and China VI when buying a car?
3 Answers
China V and China VI mainly have the following differences: 1. Different test cycles: China VI conducts a comprehensive assessment of vehicle emissions during cold starts, acceleration and deceleration, and high-speed high-load conditions, covering a wider range of engine operation and imposing higher requirements on vehicle emission control performance. 2. Different test procedure requirements: The mass requirements of test vehicles and road load settings directly affect the fuel consumption and emission performance of vehicles. The China VI standard adopts stricter test requirements, such as increasing the weight of test vehicles and requiring tire specifications to be consistent with mass-produced vehicles.
When I bought a car last time, I was torn between choosing China 5 and China 6 standards. I remember China 5 is the older standard with higher emissions, producing more pollutants like carbon monoxide. China 6 is the newer standard, divided into phases a and b, with stricter emission requirements—for example, significantly reducing harmful particles in exhaust. This has a considerable impact on us car owners: China 6 vehicles are easier to license, as major cities like Beijing and Shanghai no longer allow new China 5 license plates to avoid road restrictions. In the used car market, China 5 cars depreciate faster, while China 6 cars hold their value better. However, China 6 cars are usually a few thousand yuan more expensive, and their parts are more precise during repairs. If you're on a tight budget, buying a China 5 car for personal use isn’t a big issue, but you should pay attention to environmental policy changes in your city to avoid your car becoming unusable in a few years. In the long run, choosing China 6 is more worry-free, keeping up with the trend of environmental protection.
If you ask me about the difference between China V and China VI, I think the key lies in price and practicality. The China VI emission standards are higher, making cars cleaner and more environmentally friendly when they leave the factory, but the increased costs lead to slightly higher car prices. In some areas, there may even be subsidies for new energy vehicles, making buying a new car quite cost-effective. On the other hand, China V cars are cheaper in the used car market, suitable for buyers on a tight budget, especially in rural areas with looser registration policies. However, in cities with driving restrictions, it can be troublesome, as you might get checked by traffic police daily. I suggest checking local policies before buying a car—big cities like Guangzhou prioritize China VI, while smaller cities can still manage with China V. In terms of maintenance, China VI cars have higher fuel quality requirements, and occasional repairs might cost more. Overall, base your decision on practicality—don’t just chase the latest standards or go for the cheapest option.
