Automobile vs. Motor: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
An automobile is a vehicle designed for passenger transportation, whereas a motor is a machine that converts energy into mechanical power, often used in vehicles.
Key Differences
An automobile refers to a road vehicle, typically with four wheels, powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor, designed to transport passengers. A motor, in contrast, is a device that converts electrical or other forms of energy into mechanical energy to produce motion.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Automobiles encompass a wide range of vehicles including cars, trucks, and buses, designed for transportation purposes. Motors, however, are components that can be found in many machines beyond automobiles, such as in industrial equipment, household appliances, and more.
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Dec 02, 2023
The term automobile is specifically used to denote vehicles used for passenger or goods transport on roads. A motor, on the other hand, is a more general term that refers to the mechanism responsible for the movement in various types of machinery, including but not limited to automobiles.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Automobiles are complex machines comprising numerous components, including one or more motors (engines), which are essential for their operation. Motors themselves, however, do not constitute a complete vehicle; they are integral parts that provide the necessary power for movement.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
The evolution of automobiles has been significantly influenced by advancements in motor technology, including the transition from gasoline engines to electric motors. The development of motors, conversely, has a broader impact, influencing various fields beyond the automotive industry.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A vehicle for passenger or goods transport
A machine that converts energy into mechanical power
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Dec 02, 2023
Usage
Specifically for transportation on roads
Used in various machines, including automobiles
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Dec 02, 2023
Composition
Includes many parts, including motors
A component part, not a complete machine
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Dec 02, 2023
Varieties
Cars, trucks, buses, etc.
Electric, combustion, hydraulic motors, etc.
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Dec 02, 2023
Evolution
Influenced by motor technology
Development impacts various industries
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Dec 02, 2023
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Automobile and Motor Definitions
Automobile
A car, especially a privately owned one.
His first automobile was a small, compact car.
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Dec 02, 2023
Automobile
A motor vehicle for transporting people.
The increase in automobiles has led to more traffic.
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Dec 02, 2023
Motor
An integral part of machinery.
The electric motor revolutionized many industries.
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Dec 02, 2023
Automobile
A wheeled passenger vehicle.
She bought a new automobile for her daily commute.
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Dec 02, 2023
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Motor
The source of a machine's power.
He learned to fix motors in various appliances.
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Dec 02, 2023
Automobile
A self-propelled road vehicle.
The automobile has greatly evolved since its invention.
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Dec 02, 2023
Motor
Something, such as a machine or an engine, that produces or imparts motion.
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Oct 19, 2023
Automobile
A self-propelled passenger vehicle that usually has four wheels and an internal-combustion engine, used for land transport. Also called motorcar.
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Oct 19, 2023
Motor
A device that converts any form of energy into mechanical energy, especially an internal-combustion engine or an arrangement of coils and magnets that converts electric current into mechanical power.
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Oct 19, 2023
Motor
A motor vehicle, especially an automobile
"It was a night of lovers. All along the highway ... motors were parked and dim figures were clasped in revery" (Sinclair Lewis).
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Oct 19, 2023
Automobile
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Automobile
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Motor
Of, relating to, or designating nerves that carry impulses from the nerve centers to the muscles.
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Oct 19, 2023
Motor
Involving or relating to movements of the muscles
Motor coordination.
A motor reflex.
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Oct 19, 2023
Automobile
4-wheeled motor vehicle; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine;
He needs a car to get to work
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Oct 19, 2023
Automobile
A machine for road travel.
Technological advancements have made automobiles more efficient.
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Dec 02, 2023
Motor
A machine or device that converts other energy forms into mechanical energy, or imparts motion.
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Oct 19, 2023
Motor
(colloquial) A motor car, or automobile, even a goods vehicle.
Nice motor!
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Oct 19, 2023
Motor
(figuratively) A source of power for something; an inspiration; a driving force.
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Oct 19, 2023
Motor
Any protein capable of converting chemical energy into mechanical work.
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Oct 19, 2023
Motor
(prison slang) The fermenting mass of fruit that is the basis of pruno, or "prison wine".
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Oct 19, 2023
Motor
(biology) Relating to the ability to move.
She has excellent motor skills.
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Oct 19, 2023
Motor
(nautical) Propelled by an internal combustion engine as opposed to a steam engine or turbine.
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Oct 19, 2023
Motor
(dated) To make a journey by motor vehicle; to drive.
On Saturday we motored down to Plymouth.
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Oct 19, 2023
Motor
To rotate a jet engine or turboprop using the engine's starter, without introducing fuel into the engine.
During startup, the engine should be motored for 20 to 30 seconds to allow the shafts to straighten out, as they may have become bowed under their own weight while the airplane was sitting on the ground.
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Oct 19, 2023
Motor
To progress at a brisk pace.
Sales were slow at first, but now things are really motoring.
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Oct 19, 2023
Motor
One who, or that which, imparts motion; a source of mechanical power.
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Oct 19, 2023
Motor
A prime mover; a machine by means of which a source of power, as steam, moving water, electricity, etc., is made available for doing mechanical work.
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Oct 19, 2023
Motor
Causing or setting up motion; pertaining to organs of motion; - applied especially in physiology to those nerves or nerve fibers which only convey impressions from a nerve center to muscles, thereby causing motion.
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Oct 19, 2023
Motor
Machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion
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Oct 19, 2023
Motor
A nonspecific agent that imparts motion;
Happiness is the aim of all men and the motor of all action
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Oct 19, 2023
Motor
Travel or be transported in a vehicle;
We drove to the university every morning
They motored to London for the theater
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Oct 19, 2023
Motor
Causing or able to cause motion;
A motive force
Motive power
Motor energy
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Oct 19, 2023
Motor
A machine providing mechanical power.
The motor in her washing machine malfunctioned.
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Dec 02, 2023
Motor
A device converting energy into motion.
The motor powers the machine's movements.
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Dec 02, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is every motor an automobile?
No, automobiles contain motors, but motors are used in many other machines too.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Can the term 'motor' refer to an automobile?
Informally, 'motor' can be used to refer to an automobile, but it's not technically accurate.
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Dec 02, 2023
Has motor technology influenced automobile design?
Yes, advancements in motor technology have greatly influenced automobile design.
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Dec 02, 2023
Can a single automobile have multiple motors?
Yes, especially in electric and hybrid vehicles.
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Dec 02, 2023
Can an automobile function without a motor?
No, a motor is essential for an automobile's movement.
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Dec 02, 2023
Is an automobile's size determined by its motor?
Not necessarily, an automobile's size involves many factors beyond just the motor.
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Dec 02, 2023
Are all motors used for transportation?
No, motors are used in a wide range of applications beyond transportation.
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Dec 02, 2023
Is motor maintenance important for automobiles?
Yes, regular motor maintenance is crucial for automobile performance.
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Dec 02, 2023
Do motors only run on gasoline?
No, motors can be powered by various energy sources, including electricity and diesel.
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Dec 02, 2023
Can motors be replaced in automobiles?
Yes, motors in automobiles can be replaced or repaired.
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Dec 02, 2023
Are motors only found in cars?
No, motors are used in many devices, not just cars.
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Dec 02, 2023
Do motorcycles fall under the category of automobiles?
Yes, motorcycles are a type of automobile.
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Dec 02, 2023
Are motors in electric automobiles different from gasoline ones?
Yes, electric automobiles use electric motors, which are different from gasoline engines.
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Dec 02, 2023
Are all automobile engines considered motors?
Yes, engines in automobiles are a type of motor.
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Dec 02, 2023
Can a motor operate without electricity?
Yes, there are non-electric motors, like combustion engines.
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Dec 02, 2023
Are motors responsible for an automobile's speed?
Yes, the motor plays a significant role in determining an automobile's speed.
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Dec 02, 2023
Do advancements in motor technology impact fuel efficiency?
Yes, newer motor technologies often improve fuel efficiency in automobiles.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Is the term 'motor' used in boating and aviation?
Yes, but the specifics of the motors differ from those in automobiles.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Do larger automobiles always have bigger motors?
Not always; motor size depends on the design and purpose of the automobile.
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Dec 02, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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