DEBATE: Car VS Motorcycle?
Whether for work, pleasure or personality, choosing between driving a car or a motorcycle/motorbike has always been a choice that many people find challenging to make. Sometimes, the decision becomes a polarizing one, even between friends or family members.
It would help to know more about both types of vehicles and compare them to make an informed decision-one less thing to worry about when you're planning to travel. After all, both sides have pros and cons, which we will happily get into.
Driving
Driving a car gives a person more freedom to do other tasks since no balancing is required and no safety gear needs to be worn. Having four wheels, cars have a better grip on the road and are more stable. It's relatively easy and smooth to drive since modern vehicles are equipped with their own computer boxes that make it easier and more convenient to control while on the road. It has space to carry additional loads such as luggage or gears and an airconditioned and enclosed space and making its passengers safe from strong wind, rain, or snow. Years ago, cars needed lots of fuel to run, but at present, several car brands are fitted with environmentally-friendly engines that require lesser fuel. Some cars even run using only electricity as their power source.
In comparison, motorcycles could only carry a maximum of two people and have lesser space for other things. However, motorcycles need relatively less fuel than cars and could go about traffic faster and more freely than their four-wheeled counterpart. Despite being exposed to the weather, motorbikes are popular among people who associate them with the spirit of freedom and adventure.
If you're an individual who needs to get to a lot of places fast, avoiding long lines of slow, horrendous traffic, then it would be easier on a motorcycle but with a higher safety risk so be careful if you were to do this.
Safety
It is a common perception that cars are safer than motorcycles or motorbikes. There's definitely a ring of truth to this; modern cars and even not so modern cars are required to have a number of safety features like airbags, seatbelts, safety lights, and chassis that were designed to crumple to absorb impact during collisions. In fact, the development of safety features is rapidly evolving. Today, cars are armed with cameras and even Artificial Intelligence or AI to assist their drivers when driving and parking - Think Tesla.
On the other hand, even if cars are safer, motorcycles are safe to a considerable degree too. Modern motorcycles have improved in terms of their speed and fuel indicator, and other information displays. The lights used for safety, such as headlights and signal lights, are now brighter and more responsive. Motorcycle engines and braking systems also have improved due to the use of technology. Today's protective gear such as helmets, suits, and motorcycle gloves are designed to be more lightweight durable and absorb shock and scratches better. This significantly increased the safety and protection of motorcycle users.
Costs
A car's cost depends on its size, make and model, and brand. The average cost to buy a new small car in the UK is between £12,000 to £17,000. Medium-sized cars are priced between £22,000 to £36,000. At the same time, bigger cars like Sports Utility vehicles or SUVs could set back its buyer around £23,000 to £28,000. It must be emphasized that the prices vary because of the brand and popularity of the car.
Car owners in the UK shell out more than £3,000 a year to run and maintain a car. This expense includes fuel (petrol or diesel) costs which could be over £900 annually on average. Insurance expenses annually cost more than £400 a year. In contrast, repairs are pegged at over £200 on average per year. Taxes, permits, and other expenses cost around £300 on average annually.
Just like cars, a motorcycle's average price will depend on its model and brand. However, because of the numerous brands available for sale in the UK, putting an average price for a new motorcycle is not that easy such in the case of cars since there are more motorcycle makers than carmakers. It is safe to put an average cost of £2,000 to buy a new motorcycle in the UK.
Motorcycle owners in the UK have to shell out expenses for licence, taxes, gears, fuel, and insurance which could cost around £2,500 on the yearly average. Of course, this amount depends on where the motorbike owner decides to go.
Weather
Weather conditions greatly affect motorists. Such effect is less apparent with cars, whose air conditioning and enclosed space for its drivers and passenger offer a high level of protection from the elements. Driving a car during summer is convenient since the driver is directly exposed to the sun's heat. During the rainy season, car owners are not that affected since rainwater seldom gets into the car's interior. Snow presents a different problem, but cars are relatively safe to drive if equipped with tire chains.
Motorcycle/motorbike owners are more limited in terms of mobility when it's raining and snowing. Still, sunny weather is favorable to most motorcycle owners because this presents an opportunity to travel great distances. Going in and out of traffic and driving without the constraint of finding a place to park is more favorable to motorbike owners, especially if the weather is good.
Conclusion
In terms of cost, the verdict is even. Cars are generally more costly, but some motorcycles/motorbikes are more expensive than cars to purchase and maintain.
Which vehicle type is better? The answer is subjective as it depends on the preference and needs of the driver. Looking at this, one can safely say that car owners choose to drive cars because this type of vehicle suits their needs for comfort and space. The same is true and can be said to motorcycle/motorbike owners. This type of vehicle meets their preference for speed and freedom of movement.
Statistics tell us that cars are much more popular choice compared to a motorcycle/motorbike and this is likely because of the additional safety measures, grip on the road and protection from cold weather types.
The bottom line is that the factors that were compared in their relation to cars and motorcycles serve as guides to people that are contemplating what to drive for their next trip on the road. Driving, safety, cost, and the weather are just a few principal things to look out for and consider. Weighing these factors will help one come up with a better alternative.