Descriptive Analysis (compare/contrast) Part-by part - Essay Example

When the typical American family sets out to buy a new car, it is faced with a difficult decision thanks to a staggering variety of automobiles. Not all, however, are suitable for the "average" family. The flashy sports car and the luxury mabach are not practical in this instance. Indeed, neither is a motorcycle for that matter. After sorting out the impossibilities, most families find themselves having to select between the SUV and the compact, both of which have their own advantages and disadvantages.

The compact gets excellent gas mileage, (from thirty to forty miles per gallon), and with the price of gasoline meeting its’ apex this past summer and fall, this is no minor consideration. For this reason the compact car is considered a practical car to use on local errands and quick drives without spending a fortune on gas. If however, one has children to bring on those errands, it would not work. Maneuvering the vehicle is another positive in the compact car. The compacts size virtually guarantees sliding in and out of lanes in traffic and the ability to squeeze into those half spaces in the parking lot which are partially taken over by the SUV owner.

Any city driver can appreciate easy handling in rush hour traffic. Lack of interior space is somewhat of a drawback. For the large family, the car pool, or the long vacation this car is not ideal. A compact can fit four adults so long as they are not too tall or overweight. As for luggage, it is respectfully suggested that one had better plan to travel light. Teenagers usually find the compact car to be convenient. It suits their tastes and it is rather a faster car when compared to a SUV. However, compact cars often come with high price tags.

For example, the favorite car of most kids is the BMW. However, the BMW comes with a high price tag and the insurance for young drivers is insane. The SUV, on the other hand, is really the only option for the larger family. It works with car pools, road trips and most of all, sports equipment. There is plenty of room for adults and children to stretch out comfortably. Indeed there is also room for luggage and animals. Obviously this large size means that the driving and parking is somewhat awkward.

For quick jaunts around town or finding a parking space at the ball game, this large car is a liability. Conversely, the SUV is ideal if one has to trek their child to college. Also owing to its size, the SUV is known to be a gas guzzler. Thus, in this economy a consumer can find themselves in quite a bind with their monthly gas bills. Usually, parents find that between carpooling, sports equipment and grocery shopping, the SUV is the best option for them. Choosing between these two cars is a matter of balance.

One must balance what the family needs with economy. If they want good mileage and require little interior space, then the compact is ideal. If the family is more concerned with the amount of room inside the car than with the other two factors, then the SUV is the car for them.