KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Low center of gravity, makes sedan more stable than SUVs.
- SUVs are all-rounder but their handling isn't great.
- Some sedans achieve a perfect 50:50 weight distribution.
Are you tired of driving boring cars with naturally aspirated engines and looking for a turbocharged, powerful engine to fulfill the dreams you had as a kid? Then we are here to provide you with some core information. If turbocharged SUVs are on your radar, your driving goals would be half-fulfilled. Why? Because there are several characteristics of an SUV that stop them from being 100% athletic. However, for that same purpose, sedans are also in the market, and that too with turbocharged engines. So, here is a detailed piece on why sedans outperform SUVs for thrill seekers. Let's start, and also join the 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel to never miss out on automotive updates.
Also Read: Difference Between Normal and High Octance Petrol - We Explain
Sedans vs SUVs - Performance Oriented
Currently, we do have a copious amount of options for performance-oriented SUVs in the mass market. From Korean cars like the Hyundai Creta N-Line and Kia Seltos X-Line to Volkswagen Group cars like the Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun. These four offer a 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine, which produces great power and torque, plus they also come with fast 7-DCT gearboxes. Experts say that Koreans are way behind when it comes to driving dynamics, simply because the German SUVs' handling is nimble, the suspensions are in sync with the car's performance levels, and the engines are just a class apart.
Still, even if you compare these cars, or even a segment-higher powerful SUV like the Tata Harrier, which is powered by a 2.0L Fiat-sourced diesel engine, with a Volkswagen Virtus GT, the difference would be like a two-story building high. This is because the driving dynamics of a sedan, which is a 3-body car, behave exceptionally well at high speeds and give the driver the confidence that everything is in his/her control. Now, let's figure out why.
Low Center Of Gravity
As the center of gravity plays a huge role in making the car agile and fun to drive, sedans, having a low center of gravity, feel far superior in driving compared to SUVs. This happens because sedans have very low or minimal body roll, which is mostly felt while taking sharp turns. On the other hand, in SUVs, the body roll can be felt at almost every turn, even when the car is pacing ahead.
Clearly, this factor deteriorates the confidence of the driver, especially when the vehicle is at high speeds. Extending this point, the body roll is also related to the vehicle's stability, which, again, sedans offer way more, just because everything is in close contact.
Better Weight Distribution
Sedans are 3-box body-style vehicles, where the first part is the engine bay, the second part is the main body in the center, and the last part is the extending trunk area. As a result, the weight of the car is evenly distributed, which makes driving them super easy and gives them a feeling of being significantly faster at every level. On the other hand, SUVs have a single body shell, and the second part is long and extended to provide more interior space.
Additionally, this adds more weight to the front end, which is why real SUVs with ladder-frame chassis feel like trucks to drive. This is a big reason why some SUVs, even with colossal engines, feel tiring to drive - because the weight distribution ratio is imperfect, and you end up slowing down as the car doesn't provide that fun.
Better Handling
I am sure, even the most hardcore SUV lover will agree with this point, straight away. SUV not being extremely crisp to handle is their characteristic, not a flaw, and that's because the suspensions in the sedans are in close contact with the wheels, plus the low center of gravity makes it easier for the suspenion to work effectively. This is why, they feel more planted and even if car crosses a rough section on road, the effect is immediately felt, because the contact between the tires and the cabin isn't too drastic.
SUVs, being all-rounders, have longer suspension travel, and even that is tweaked to provide off-road capabilities. So, expecting great handling from an affordable SUV should be avoided. Also, crisp handling is one major trait of performance-oriented cars, which elevates the driving experience to new heights.
Aerodynamics
One of the key reasons why sedans win the Sedan vs SUV debate is their aerodynamics. Sedans are designed to be more aerodynamically efficient, which not only improves performance but also makes them more fuel-efficient. In contrast, SUVs have a boxy shape, and the air hits their body panels and pushes the car backward. This makes the engine work harder, using more fuel and making the car more resistant to airflow.
In sedans, the air flows more smoothly, creating downforce, especially because modern sedans have boot lids designed to provide natural downforce, which is also important for performance-oriented cars. So, there is even no-need for an external spoiler. The massive difference between these two types of cars is immediately felt when driving at high speed, as sedans feel more confident, whereas SUVs get worse. Not all, but some, which have poor aerodynamics, such as the Mahindra Scorpio Classic.
Here are some examples of the most fun to drive sedans in India Under Rs 1 Cr.
Most fun to drive SUV in India Under Rs 1 Cr.
- BMW X3
- Audi Q5
- Kia EV6
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Skoda Kushaq
- Mahindra XUV700
- Volkswagen Taigun
- Hyundai Creta N-Line
Also Read: Mahindra Thar Roxx With New Mocha Grey Interior Hits Dealerships
Verdict
So, these are the major mechanical points one needs to know before stepping into buying a performance-oriented SUV, as they might accommodate your family along with luggage, but you won't feel that performance factor really kicking in, because you cannot change the nature of something. However, these issues mentioned above minimize as the price of the car increases, but all that is offered even in the most entry-level sedan. Let's hope that this will clear things up for you.
