In today’s edition of Car Wars, we’re going big as we ask which feat of vehicular engineering you prefer: motorbike or car? From practicality to running costs, we’re discovering which is the most cost effective, comfortable and safe way to travel – and we’ll even tell you how you could get your hands on a new motorbike or car of your own.
So, would you rather climb aboard a motorbike or sit comfortably behind the wheel of a car? If you think you’ve made your mind up, we’re about to play devil’s advocate.
Motorbike vs car: let’s dive in!
Safety
When it comes to road safety, motorbikes have a notoriously bad name – but in terms of visibility, bikes generally have the upper hand. A rider’s positioning is usually higher than a driver’s, giving them a clearer view of the road ahead and other traffic around them. But with research carried out in 2014 revealing that 70% of all motorcycle accidents involve collisions with a 4-wheeled vehicle, it’s clear that safety really is in the hands of the individual driver and rider.
There’s no real winner here – but by looking out for each other on the roads, riders and drivers can reduce the risk of fatal accidents.
Features
If you’re a petrolhead with a taste for tech, there are any number of cars and motorbikes that can deliver. While motorcycle riders will welcome practical features such as hill-start control and Bluetooth connection, car drivers might prefer a variety of sensible and more superficial add-ons – like a state-of-the-art Sat Nav system, alloy wheels or coloured body trims. Due to their size, motorbikes only come with so much kit – whereas with car equipment, the possibilities appear to be endless.
For tonnes of tech, the car market scoops this round.
Ride
When it comes to buying a motorbike or car, performance will always be a factor. If you want to immerse yourself in the great outdoors and whizz through the countryside with the wind in your hair, you’ll be more at home on a motorbike. From navigating through narrow city streets to speeding along country lanes, motorbikes provide a welcome adrenaline rush for the adventurer in you.
Where cars score well is in the reliability department. If you’re travelling with family members or covering long distances, a car provides a more comfortable, practical ride and is as at home in the city as out on the motorway.
This is a tough one to call – but for off-road capability and a guaranteed thrill every time, points go to motorbikes.
Practicality
In terms of saving space, motorbikes are great. As well as allowing the rider to navigate through crowded traffic, they’re easy to park in busy urban areas – allowing you to nip into the tightest of spots. Cars come in any number of shapes and sizes and, while superminis and city cars can be a breeze to park, larger hatchbacks and SUVs pose a more difficult problem.
If you’re looking for comfort, storage and passenger space, motorbikes simply don’t have the capacity to be as practical as cars. The limitations that come with having a maximum of one passenger per motorbike can be impractical when it comes to days out or covering longer distances. Cars offer bags of storage and passenger space, meaning a journey over any distance is manageable and you can take the family along for the ride.
When it comes to passengers, storage and all-round practicality, cars take the edge every time.
Price
In recent years, the purchase price of a car has steadily increased – and that’s not all. From taking lessons to running a car, becoming a driver can be an expensive affair once you’ve passed your test. While practical motorcycle tests might be slightly more expensive than practical driving tests, running costs are far cheaper in the long run. From purchase price to insurance to tax and fuel, costs are far lower for motorcyclists than drivers.
For appealing purchase prices and running costs, the motorbike market steals this round.
The verdict: motorbike or car? The scores are tied but there has to be a winner. We might be in the minority here, but for us, cars take today’s title.
Whether you prefer the thrills of a motorbike or fancy getting comfortable behind the wheel of a car, don’t let the purchase price hold you back. At the Car Loan Warehouse, we’re committed to providing flexible motorbike and car finance deals to suit any make, model or budget – meaning you could be climbing aboard your new bike or speeding away in your new set of wheels sooner than you think.
Still undecided? Check out our motorbike reviews and car reviews to browse the wide range of vehicles on offer. If you want to find out more about how we can help you, head over to our online car finance calculator or, alternatively, our motorbike finance calculator for a quick quote today.
