Vehicle vs. Automobile: Difference and Comparison

The term "vehicle" encompasses a wide variety of transportation means, whether powered by engines, animals, or humans. This broad category includes not just cars, but also bicycles, boats, airplanes, scooters, and even horse-drawn carriages. Essentially, any device or contraption that can move people or goods from one place to another falls under the umbrella of a vehicle.

On the other hand, an "automobile" is a specific type of vehicle. The word itself breaks down to "auto-" meaning "self" and "-mobile" indicating motion, which gives a clear hint at its definition. Automobiles are self-propelled vehicles, typically with four wheels, designed primarily for road transport. They are specifically engineered to carry people, and their primary power source is usually an internal combustion engine, although electric automobiles are increasingly popular.

While every automobile is a vehicle, not every vehicle is an automobile. An airplane, for instance, is a vehicle because it transports people or cargo, but it's not an automobile due to its design and functionality tailored for air travel. Similarly, while a bicycle is also a vehicle, it's human-powered and lacks an engine, making it distinct from automobiles.

In daily conversation, especially in American English, people might use "car" and "automobile" interchangeably. However, when we delve into technicalities, it becomes clear that "vehicle" is the overarching term, and "automobile" is a subset within. So, while discussing transport in general, "vehicle" is apt, but for engine-powered cars specifically, "automobile" is the more accurate term.

Any means of transport or conveyance.

A passenger vehicle designed for operation on ordinary roads.

A device or structure for transporting persons or things.

A car or motorcar.

A motorized machine that facilitates transportation.

A self-propelled road vehicle, typically with four wheels.

A carrier, as of infection or any agent of change.

A machine, primarily used for transporting people on roads.

A medium through which something is transmitted, expressed, or accomplished.

A vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor.

A device or structure for transporting persons or things; a conveyance

A self-propelled passenger vehicle that usually has four wheels and an internal-combustion engine, used for land transport. Also called motorcar.

A self-propelled conveyance that runs on tires; a motor vehicle.

Of or relating to automobiles; automotive.

A medium through which something is transmitted, expressed, or accomplished

A type of vehicle designed to move on the ground under its own stored power and intended to carry a driver, a small number of additional passengers, and a very limited amount of other load. A car or motorcar.

The concrete or specific word or phrase that is applied to the tenor of a metaphor and gives the metaphor its figurative power, as walking shadow in "Life's but a walking shadow" (Shakespeare).

To travel by automobile.

A play, role, or piece of music used to display the special talents of one performer or company.

Self-moving; self-propelled.

An inactive substance that is combined with an active medication to facilitate administration.

a self-propelled vehicle used for transporting passengers, suitable for use on a street or roadway. Many diferent models of automobiles have beenbuilt and sold commercially, possessing varied features such as a retractable roof (in a convertible), different braking systems, different propulsion systems, and varied styling. Most models have four wheels but some have been built with three wheels. Automobiles are usually propelled by internal combustion engines (using volatile inflammable liquids, as gasoline or petrol, alcohol, naphtha, etc.), and sometimes by steam engines, or electric motors. The power of the driving motor varies from under 50 H. P. for earlier models to over 200 H. P. larger models or high-performance sports or racing cars. An automobile is commonly called a car or an auto, and generally in British usage, motor cars.

A substance, such as oil, in which paint pigments are mixed for application.

to travel in an automobile.

A conveyance; a device for carrying or transporting substances, objects or individuals.

4-wheeled motor vehicle; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine;

A medium for expression of talent or views.

travel in an automobile

A liquid content (e.g. oil) which acts as a binding and drying agent in paint.

(pharmaceuticals) The main excipient (such as an oil or gel) that conveys the active ingredient of a drug.

An entity to achieve an end.

(Buddhism) A mode or method of spiritual practice; a yana.

(Hinduism) An animal or (rarely) a plant on which a Hindu deity rides or sits

That in or on which any person or thing is, or may be, carried, as a coach, carriage, wagon, cart, car, sleigh, bicycle, etc.; a means of conveyance; specifically, a means of conveyance upon land.

That which is used as the instrument of conveyance or communication; as, matter is the vehicle of energy.

A substance in which medicine is taken.

Any liquid with which a pigment is applied, including whatever gum, wax, or glutinous or adhesive substance is combined with it.

A liquid used to spread sensitive salts upon glass and paper for use in photography.

a conveyance that transports people or objects

a medium for the expression or achievement of something;

any inanimate object (as a towel or money or clothing or dishes or books or toys etc.) that can transmit infectious agents from one person to another

A vehicle is a broad term that includes any means of transportation, be it by engine, humans, or animals.

Yes, a boat is a type of vehicle designed for water transportation.

No, while a bicycle is a vehicle, it is not an automobile because it's human-powered and lacks an engine.

No, while many automobiles use gasoline, there are also electric and hybrid automobiles.

While every automobile is a vehicle, not every vehicle is an automobile; the former is specific to engine-powered cars.

Yes, vehicle can also denote a medium through which something is transmitted or expressed.

In general conversation, automobile and car are often used interchangeably, both referring to a self-propelled road vehicle.