Why do cars have 4 wheels? Why not 3?

[JEDI]

3 wheels will probably save the manufacturer's $.

What's wrong w/a tricycle config?

 

[Viper GTS]

Inherently much more stable.

Though I did see a trike doing 80 on the highway the other day.

Viper GTS

 

[Kalvin00]

do you know how stable a 3 wheeler is?

I rest my case

 

[darkswordsman17]

Yeah, stability.

The trices that are half motorcycle half hotrod are pretty stable though. However, they're not very practical.

To be honest though, the real reason is likely because nobody would buy them. The American consumer wouldn't accept it and thus it would be doomed to failure.

 

[KarenMarie]

there were three wheel cars in the UK for ages... forgot what they were called...

but they did not go in reverse...hahaha!!

 

[myusername]

Originally posted by: KarenMarie
there were three wheel cars in the UK for ages... forgot what they were called...

but they did not go in reverse...hahaha!!

Yes they did! I saw Mr. Bean cause one to tip over in reverse!

 

[KarenMarie]

HERE ya go!!

there were still loads of these running around the uk when i lived there.

 

[TheLonelyPhoenix]

4 wheels on the ground = more rubber on the ground = more traction, control, and stability

 

[MDE]

Originally posted by: TheLonelyPhoenix
4 wheels on the ground = more rubber on the ground = more traction, control, and stability

QFT

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: KarenMarie
HERE ya go!!

there were still loads of these running around the uk when i lived there.

A way of skirting around the laws. Those Reliants are technically motorcycles and do not require a driver's license to operate. They also require the less-expensive motorcycle plates as well as being able to use motorcycle insurance policies. This is why they don't have reverse. Legally they can't have a reverse gear and still be classified as a motorcycle.

As far as why not more common, it's a bloody inefficient setup. If that wheel is in the front, there is no space for much engine (the Reliant's engine is very small indeed and sits very far back in the chassis) and if the single wheel is in the back, then there's a huge bump in the middle of the trunk, making the shape of the trunk space very inconvenient.

ZV

 

[imthebadguy]

would u drive a 3 wheeled SUV?

 

[eyecandy86]

I would never buy a 3-wheel car.. looks dangerous.

And they're ugly.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

We have them in India, called autorickshaws

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: eyecandy86
I would never buy a 3-wheel car.. looks dangerous.

And they're ugly.

For places like India they work well!

 

[StageLeft]

Seen some, never been in one, always thought they were terrible.

 

[diablofreak]

Originally posted by: imthebadguy
would u drive a 3 wheeled SUV?

it would roll over and roll forward and double backward somersault before finally flipping over twice and trapping you inside and burning you slowly to death

 

[JEDI]

they dont go in reverse? how do you park them?

 

[Thegonagle]

Originally posted by: JEDI
they dont go in reverse? how do you park them?

Flintstone style.

Why not 3-wheel cars?

Stability. Too easy to tip if both front or rear corners are not supported.

 

[darkswordsman17]

Actually, from an efficiency standpoint they'd be better. Less contact with the road = less rolling resistance. The smaller engine would be better as well. Typically smaller engines get better gas mileage. Also, if you put the 3rd wheel in the rear of the car, you could make it much more aerodynamic.

And I still say that stability doesn't have all that much to do with it. They couldn't market it, and its just weird, which won't sell.

 

[LordMorpheus]

Originally posted by: diablofreak

Originally posted by: imthebadguy
would u drive a 3 wheeled SUV?

it would roll over and roll forward and double backward somersault before finally flipping over twice and trapping you inside and burning you slowly to death

kinda like they do now?