What is the Average Car Weight, The In-depth Guide

The average vehicle weight has remained somewhat consistent and unchanged in the years that followed. In fact, the weight of a car in kg depends on the type of car that is considered as average. Knowing approximately the weight of a car would be helpful to you, whether for a specific purpose, or for other references. Read through to learn more.

The answer to this question depends on the type of car in question. Here is a summary of the weights of cars, and a table containing a car weight list according to different car types.

The Average Car Weight

The average car weight for all cars is at 1600 kg/3500 lbs. The difference may lie on the type and model of car being weighed.

The Lightest Cars on the Market

Among the lightest cars currently out on the market include the following:

• Morgan 3-Wheeler – 1,212 lbs.
• Westfield Sport 1600i – 1,367 lbs.
• 2007 Smart Fortwo – 1,610 lbs.
• Morgan 4/4 – 1,753 lbs.
• Citroen C1 – 1,764 lbs.

The Heaviest Cars on the Market

Among the heaviest cars currently out on the market include the following:

• Ford F450 Super Duty Crew Club –8,600 lbs.
• Ram 3500 Crew Cab – 6,728 lbs.
• Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Crew Cab – 6,717 lbs.
• GMC Sierra 3500 HD Crew Cab – 6,717 lbs.
• Nissan NV3500 HD Passenger – 6,710 lbs.

Table of Weights by Different Car Type

1. Curb Weight
   The curb weight is the measurement that is used by different car manufacturers. It refers to the weight of a car, including all amenities and equipment, but without any cargo or passengers. This is the general weight that is provided to those who inquire how heavy is an average car.
   
   
2. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
   This refers to the curb weight plus the cargo and passengers.
   
   
3. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
   The GVWR is the maximum weight that a vehicle can carry safely
   
   
4. Gross Combined Weight
   This rating is quite necessary if you are planning to have a trailer, as this refers to the combined weight of the car and the trailer.
   
   
5. Payload
   The payload refers to the weight that your car, truck or SUV can carry. This means everything inside including the drivers and passengers, equipment, pets and others. As long as they are in your car, they are part of the payload.
   
   
6. Maximum Load Trailer Weight
   This weight, along with the gross combined weight are quite similar. The difference, however, is that the maximum load trailer weight has something to do with a trailer with a maximum load, or fully loaded.
   
   
7. Gross Axle Weight
   Gross axle weight is the to total weight provided by both front and rear axle in order to give support to a vehicle. An axle refers to the car’s rotating wheel or a gear’s central shaft.
   
   
8. Gross Axle Weight Rating
   This refers to the maximum weight distributed which may be supported by a road vehicle’s axle. Generally, the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is followed by either RR or FR, indicating the rear or front rear axles.

Reasons Why You Should Know the Car Weights

There are some good reasons why it is necessary to know about car weights. Some of them are the following:

• Purchasing a New Car
  If you are planning to purchase a new car, it is very important to know the actual weight so that you will not have to worry about going over the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which could be a requirement in your state.
  
  
• Safety Reasons
  Identifying the compact car weight is very important when taking into consideration vehicle safety. This is mainly because when talking about accidents, these compact cars are usually at a bigger disadvantage or loss to bigger cars, even trucks. For instance, in every 1000 pound drawback, an increased rate of fatality reaches 40%.
  
  At the same time, certain bridges in your area have specific weight limits. You would definitely feel more confidence and relaxed crossing such as bridge with limit in weights when you have an idea of the weight of your car.
  
  
• Fuel Economy
  According to the EPA, for every 100 pounds decreased from the weight of a car, an increase of around 1-2% can be expected in terms of fuel economy. This basically means that you can save up more with both cash and fuel at a less car weight. Another point to take into consideration is to always check on other unessential junk weight aside from the actual weight of your car.
  
  
• Routine Maintenance
  If you want to perform routine checks on your vehicle, there is a need for you to use only the best tools for the task. If you know the weight of your car, you will also have an idea of the best tools that can handle the job, and the weight of your car.
  
  
• Payload
  When you have the idea of the weight of your car, you will also know the weight that can be handled by your car, in terms of cargo and passengers, without worrying about causing damage or excessive wear to it.

Where to Know How Much Your Car Weighs?

With resources such as the internet and social media, it is not that challenging to learn about the exact weight of a specific vehicle. Aside from that, there are a lot of websites which have dedicated themselves to providing information about cars. As such, getting information would be a breeze. Among the most reliable resources to know how much your car weighs include the following:

• Car Manual
  Where else to get information about anything regarding your car? Of course, the car manual. You can check on the specifications of your car, weight included.
  
  
• Information from Manufacturer
  You can easily call the manufacturer’s customer service stated in the manual. All you need to do upon speaking to a representative is to give the details of your car and they will tell you what you are looking for, among others.
  
  
• Jamb/Door Sill on the Driver’s Side
  Another way to find the weight of your car is to look for the weight label. This can be found as you open the door of the driver side. It typically comes in a sticker form on a sill.
  
  
• Vehicle Scale
  If you cannot find the information that you are looking for in any of the options mentioned above, you can still have the option to load the car on a scale in order to determine its weight. When deciding to do this manual process, be mindful of any additional weight that could be added.

FAQs

1. What is the best way to find the weight of your car?
   The methods in finding the weight of your car have already been listed above. If you need to know which method is the best, there is a need to know some of the differences offered by each scenario. For example, you need to note that consulting the car manual, as well as checking your vehicle’s weight from the manufacturer’s website will give you the curb weight.
   
   On the other hand, checking on the sticker at the door of the driver’s side will give you the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, while weighing your car manually on a car scale will offer you the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). At least you need to know which method to use depending on which type of weight you are looking for.
    
2. Is knowing about the weight of your car not necessary?
   The answer to this question depends on the reasons why you need to know. The EPA gives the average weight of cars in the United States. This could be quite advantageous for planners on public policy and economists who are thinking about improving fuel efficiency.
   
   For drivers, on the other hand, knowing about the weight of your car is vital in avoiding risky collisions, the type of tool needed to perform a certain maintenance task, and other possible reasons.
    
3. What is the weight of a smart car?
   The average weight of a smart car is above 2000 pounds. Note however, that this applies to newer models. These types of cars have already been running on the streets since the earlier part of 1990’s. Earlier models weighed less, even as little as 730 kg or 1,610 pounds.

Last Words

What is the average car weight? I hope that you now have the answer to the question that you are looking for. As such, you have also become prepared in answering this question, should somebody ask. Identifying the weight of a car is very important for safety reasons, fuel efficiency, maintenance reasons, and for other driving reasons. It can also play a role when it comes to purchasing or getting a new car. Being informed is crucial in making a good decision for you and your family.