Automobiles are four-wheeled vehicles that can carry passengers and cargo. They are usually gasoline-powered, but some run on diesel. The technical features of an automobile include an ignition, steering system, muffler, and fuel injection.
Automobiles were developed in the late 1800s. They started out as bicycles, but then manufacturers adapted them to motorcycles. Some pedal cycles were equipped with small spark ignition engines.
After World War II, the automobile industry boomed in the United States. Production increased and Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler became the “Big Three” automobile companies.
Cars are primarily used for passenger transportation. They come in various sizes. Many automobiles are designed to carry 2 to six passengers. However, some models are meant to carry a large number of passengers.
A motorcycle is a self-propelled motor vehicle. They are smaller, but they can normally carry three or four passengers. Motorcycles are usually made of steel, but cast wheels are also used.
Despite their name, many people confuse cars and motorcycles. There are several court cases arguing the distinction.
During the mid-19th century, Edward Butler of Massachusetts created a three-wheeler with a horizontal single-cylinder gas engine. It had steerable front and rear wheels, and a drive chain to the rear wheel.
Although steam engines could go high speeds, they were inconvenient to start. They had short ranges. Steam engines also tended to burn out and were prone to fires.
The first commercially marketed motorcycle was produced in 1894. The engine was patented the same year.
