What is a vehicle wheelbase, and why does it matter?

If you've started looking at daily car hire or daily van hire prices, you've probably already started looking at vehicle specifications to help you find the perfect vehicle. Length, width, boot space and many other terms you come across are fairly self-explanatory, regardless of your knowledge of vehicle specifications. However, a vehicle's wheelbase is equally important, and its meaning isn't always obvious at first glance.

So, what is a wheelbase, and why does it matter? Here, we'll explain the definition of wheelbase, how it's measured, and how it can affect everything from driving comfort to the amount of space available inside your vehicle. We'll also look at why it's worth considering when you’re deciding which car or van to hire.

What is the wheelbase of a car?

Simply put, the wheelbase of a car or van is the distance between the centre of its front wheels and the centre of its rear wheels. This measurement is taken between the front and rear axles, rather than from the front to the back of the vehicle.

The wheelbase will always be shorter than the vehicle's total length, and it'll vary depending on the make, model and size of the vehicle. Of course, if you're looking to hire a larger van, you'd generally expect it to have a longer wheelbase than a small car, for example.

When looking at vehicle specifications, you'll usually come across four common wheelbase classi­fica­tions:

• Short Wheelbase (SWB)
• Medium Wheelbase (MWB)
• Long Wheelbase (LWB)
• Extra Long Wheelbase (XLWB)

As a general rule, most small cars and small vans will have a relatively short wheelbase, such as the Ford Fiesta or Citroën Berlingo, as well as some panel vans. Medium wheelbase is commonly associated with medium-sized vans, while Long Wheelbase and Extra Long Wheelbase options are typically found on larger vans, such as the Jumbo Panel Van.

It's worth noting that these classifications aren't based on one universal set of measurements. Manufacturers may use different wheelbase lengths and descriptions depending on the vehicle model.

How is a vehicle's wheelbase measured?

Now that we've covered the wheelbase meaning, let’s take a look at how the measurement is actually taken.

A vehicle's wheelbase is measured from the centre of the front axle (the part that connects the front wheels) to the centre of the rear axle (the part that connects the rear wheels), usually in millimetres. Unlike the vehicle's overall length, this measurement doesn't include the parts that extend beyond the wheels, known as the front and rear overhangs. Put simply, the front overhang is the distance between the front wheels and the front bumper, while the rear overhang is the distance between the rear wheels and the back of the vehicle.

For example, if a vehicle has a wheelbase of 2,700mm, that means there's a distance of 2.7 metres between its front and rear axles. However, the vehicle itself will be longer than this once you include the front and rear overhangs.

What's the difference between wheelbase and vehicle length?

Although wheelbase and vehicle length are closely related, they're actually two different measurements.

A vehicle's overall length is measured from the front bumper right through to the rear bumper, while its wheelbase is just the distance between the front and rear axles, as we mentioned earlier. So, even if two cars or vans are roughly the same length, that doesn't necessarily mean they'll have the same wheelbase.

For example, one vehicle might have a longer wheelbase but shorter front and rear overhangs, while another might have a shorter wheelbase with more bodywork sticking out beyond the wheels. This means that even though both vehicles are a similar size, the distance between their front and rear wheels could be quite different.

Why is wheelbase important?

The wheelbase of a car or van is something worth thinking about when choosing a vehicle, as it can affect how much space you've got inside, how easy it is to drive and how comfortable it feels on the road.

For example, if you're hiring a vehicle to carry passengers, a medium or long wheelbase could be a good choice, as it often means there's more room inside. The same goes if you're moving furniture or transporting equipment between sites, where having that extra space can really come in handy.

But there's more to wheelbase than just the amount of space you've got. It can also affect how a vehicle handles different road conditions, how stable it feels when driving and how easy it is to get around tighter spaces.

Which wheelbase is right for you?

When it comes to choosing the right wheelbase, it really depends on what you'll be using your hire vehicle for.

If you're mostly going to be driving around towns and cities, a shorter-wheelbase vehicle could be your best bet. With a generally smaller turning circle, it's usually easier to get around tight corners, navigate narrow streets and fit into smaller parking spaces. Plus, you'll still have enough room for everyday journeys or carrying smaller loads.

If you need something a little bigger for transporting tools, equipment or other items, a medium-wheelbase van could be a good middle ground. You'll generally get more load space without having to compromise too much on how easy the van is to drive and manoeuvre.

On the other hand, if you're moving house, transporting bulky furniture or simply need as much space as possible, a long or extra-long-wheelbase van might be the better option. While they can be a bit trickier to manoeuvre in tighter spaces, the extra room can make a big difference when you've got lots to transport.

At the end of the day, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The right wheelbase comes down to how much space you need, where you'll be driving and what you'll be using the vehicle for. Keeping these things in mind can help you choose the car or van that's right for the job!

If you've got any questions about the wheelbase of our vehicles, or you're not quite sure which option is right for you, don't hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team. We'll be more than happy to help you find the right car, minibus or van to hire at a great price.

And if you need a vehicle for a little longer, why not take a look at our Flexi Hire options? They're a great way to get more flexibility and value for money when hiring long-term. Feel free to explore our website or give us a call on 01254 57811. We're always happy to help!