What is Vehicle Wheelbase?

[DelCalvin]

Automobile wheelbase is the distance between two vertical lines that pass through the midpoints of adjacent wheels on the same side of the vehicle and are perpendicular to the longitudinal symmetry plane of the vehicle. Simply put, it is the distance from the center of the front axle to the center of the rear axle. The wheelbase affects passenger space for the following reasons: 1. Front and rear axle length: Generally, passenger seats are arranged between the front and rear axles. Even if the wheelbase is extended by just a few dozen millimeters, the difference in feel can be significant, allowing for more seating postures and increased longitudinal space inside the vehicle, greatly enhancing riding comfort. 2. Longer wheelbase means more space, which is directly proportional: However, many manufacturers, to cater to domestic consumers' preference for 'bigger is better,' deliberately extend the wheelbase into the engine compartment. A longer front end makes the car appear more premium, but this practice offers minimal actual improvement to the usable space inside the cabin.