How Much Does My Car Weigh
From LoveToKnow Cars
Ever ask yourself how much does my car weigh? Finding out the gross vehicle weight (GVW) and the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) are two different things. The GVWR is important, especially if you plan to haul large loads or passengers, or tow anything with your vehicle.
How Much Does My Car Weigh?
When auto manufacturers make their vehicles, they must determine and disclose the gross vehicle weight and the gross vehicle weight rating. Every manufacturer is also required to list both of these weights on both the certificate of origin or title and on the vehicle’s invoice. Keep in mind that the gross vehicle weight is how much your vehicle actually weighs. The gross vehicle weight rating is the weight capacity of your car, meaning if it weighs 5,000 pounds, you shouldn’t carry or tow 6,000 pounds.
Where to Find Car Weight Charts
The Internet offers many websites on average vehicle weights, such as How Stuff Works. On this website you can choose your manufacturer, say Toyota, and find out that if you own a Toyota Sienna, it weighs 5,690 pounds. A Honda Odyssey weighs 5,952 pounds and a Dodge Ram 3500 pick-up truck weighs a whopping 11,000 pounds.
Is There An Average Weight For Cars?
If you’re wondering if there is an average car weight, the answer is yes. Compact cars range in weight from 3,000 to 4,500 pounds. Mid-size cars and sedans have a weight range of 4,500 pounds to 5,500 pounds depending on model. Light trucks, minivans and sport utility vehicles or SUVs can weigh between 5,000 pounds to 7,000 pounds. The larger pick-up trucks range from 7,500 to 12,000 pounds. Keep in mind that these are not gross vehicle weight ratings but gross vehicle weights.
About Vehicle Weights
In some states, when you purchase a new or used vehicle and go to the motor vehicle department to register the vehicle, the registration amount is based on the weight of the vehicle. The lower the weight, the cheaper the registration will be. Other states charge a registration fee based upon the purchase price or year of the vehicle.
Every vehicle’s gross vehicle weight includes everything inside the vehicle too. It includes large items like seats all the way to the entertainment systems inside the vehicle.
Gross vehicle weight ratings are important if you plan to haul or tow anything with your car or truck. Overloading or going over the recommended gross vehicle weight rating could affect your brakes or other mechanical items in your car or truck.
Are You Safer With a Higher Weight Car?
The gross vehicle weight of your car or truck doesn’t figure much into crash testing safety. What does matter is how your vehicle is put together, airbags included, and how it performs in crash tests. The Honda Odyssey, a minivan, has a five-star crash test rating; however, a large pick-up truck such as the Dodge Ram has only a three-star crash test rating. Crash test ratings are published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA. Obviously, a pick-up truck weighs more than a minivan so before you choose a vehicle to buy, seek out safety ratings from the NHTSA or at Edmunds.
When considering, how much does my car weigh, you’ll find that safety may be more important than weight unless you plan to use the vehicle for hauling or towing. If you do plan to use your car for towing, ask an automotive salesperson or a mechanic what gross vehicle weight rating you’ll need for your load, and keep in mind that gross vehicle weight rating is the vehicle’s capacity only. The gross vehicle weight is what the car actually weighs.
To learn more about not only the weight of your car, but the many vehicle systems and how to troubleshoot them, check out the following auto repair articles.
Learn More
Comments
Hi Jta, thanks for your question. According to autobuyguide.com, the 2005 Dodge Ram 3500 has a "gross vehicle weight rating" of 9,901 lbs and a curb weight of 6,667 lbs.
-- Contributed by: Rdube2005 Dodge Ram 3500 Pick up truck
-- Contributed by: jtaHi Nile - thanks for your question! According to Wikipedia, the 1994 Subaru Impreza WRX weighed 1,230 kg (2,712 lb).
-- Contributed by: Rdube
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