Coupes v. Sedans v. Wagons: A discussion

"jeffywk" (jeffywk) 09/12/2014 at 14:34 • Filed to: Coupe, Wagon, Sedan, BMW, M3, M4, Volvo, practicality, discussion, MINI, Cooper, S, Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson, E63, AMG, Audi, RS4

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What are the real differences between a coupe, a sedan and a wagon?

I've been thinking about this question a lot recently, and I don't quite understand. Many people I talk tend to believe that sedan versions of cars are more practical than the coupe version of the same car.

If you always have 4 people in your car, then yes, I suppose it is easier to get those people in the back seat. But it isn't THAT difficult to get people in the back of a coupe. Most coupes have the same amount of storage space as a sedan anyway, so the only real difference between the two is how difficult it is to get people or stuff in the back seat. And let's face it, 90% of the time there is only one person in the car: the driver. And if you're the driver and owner, why do you car at all how easy or difficult it is to get in the back seat? You'll never be back there.

So why do people always favor sedans over coupes for practicality? I remember thinking about this argument for the first time when I watched the episode of Top Gear where they test the E92 M3 Coupe, the E63 AMG, and the Audi RS4. Jeremy complains about the M3's practicality since it only has two doors. I've seen this is as a reoccurring theme among many reviews of coupes on Top Gear.

As for myself, I am a college student who drives an '06 MINI Cooper S. I get lots of flack from roommates and friends about driving a small, two-door hatchback. Nearly everyone complains about how it only has two doors, and I should have gotten a sedan. "Why?" I ask. Because you can fit people in the back, they say. Well I can do that in my car, too.

If one really wants a practical car, I think a wagon is the obvious choice, obviously. More room in the trunk than a sedan to pack things in, you can put the rear seats down for even MORE room, and... I suppose you can get people into the back through their own individual door.

(I would have found a picture of a M3 wagon, but unfortunately they don't exist.)

As for me, I think coupes are prettier, so I'll always prefer those over sedans, and if I'm really looking for practicality, I'll get a wagon.

What do you guys think? Are sedans really that much more practical than coupes?

Sam > jeffywk 09/12/2014 at 14:37

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Ahem.

I don't like coupes that seat 4 because the doors are usually a mile long.

mcseanerson > jeffywk 09/12/2014 at 14:39

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And let's face it, 90% of the time there is only one person in the car: the driver.

For me this statement is very true. For my wife it is the polar opposite. Not even just the kids, she is always picking up people and taking them places.

Alfalfa > jeffywk 09/12/2014 at 14:42

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They certainly are more practical for most people, but I say that as a young single person the additional practicality isn't worth the sacrifice in style. It is THAT difficult for many people to get in the back of a coupe, compared to a sedan. The wagon really is the practical choice, though.

jeffywk > Sam 09/12/2014 at 14:42

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oooooo pretty M3

jeffywk > mcseanerson 09/12/2014 at 14:43

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I guess that's true. Like I said, I am a college student. No family...

BKRM3 > jeffywk 09/12/2014 at 14:43

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+1 on the coupe (especially the E92) doors being way too long. They suck. Also, the seatbelt assistant mechanism thing (the very same one in the FF that fell apart while Chris Harris was reviewing the car) sucks, and it doesnt exist in the E90 sedan.

Furthermore, the E92 is a 2+2 configuration without a center seat in the rear. It has a little storage space instead, which, you guessed it, sucks (and rattles!). The sedan therefore seats 5, with 3 full seats across the back. Cargo space is about the same, although the sedan's rear end is very slightly shorter than the coupe's (about an inch) and very slightly taller.

With the E9X M3, the sedan is also rarer as it was only produced from 2008 through 2011.

At least with the previous generation M3s, therefore, sedan wins in looks, seating, ease of use and rarity. Of course...they didn't offer it in a wagon or I'd have bought one of those instead.

Source: I've owned both an E92 and E90.

Bytemite > jeffywk 09/12/2014 at 14:43

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Well, being a young swashbuckler myself, practicality is the last thing on my mind when looking at a car. I also don't plan on owning a car with more than 2 doors any time soon. Unless you have a wife and kid, you don't even need back seats. Just go big or go home, get a 2 door, 2 seater.

Skater Dad > jeffywk 09/12/2014 at 14:45

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I'm a full believer that sedans are more practical than coupes. Wagons trump them both, of course.

Let's compare 2 of my past cars: 4 door WRX vs 2-door Genesis Coupe. Similar sized back seat areas, but the WRX had more headroom.

In the Genesis, I had a hard time maneuvering baby seats into the back since you're working around the folded front seats. Doable? Yes, but it was far easier in the WRX.

In the WRX, I was able to bring home a lawn mower by cramming the box into the rear seats. It was a tight fit, but having the rear doors made it possible. Same story with a table saw. Definitely not possible the Genesis.

jeffywk > mcseanerson 09/12/2014 at 14:45

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But I also get this argument from people who are just like me: Single male college students with no family. THEIR argument is what I don't understand.

McLarry > jeffywk 09/12/2014 at 14:45

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Coupes generally have a more aggressively sloped rear window, which also cuts down on backseat space (just look at that profile view above and compare the headroom in the backseat to the headroom in the front seat) whereas sedans have a roof shape that better accommodates backseat passengers. Coupes also have tiny back seats as well... A sedan might accommodate 3 across, but I think most coupes are only 2 across. There's the typical 'no back door' argument - difficult to load/unload cargo and small children from the back seat.

I agree coupes look better, but the sedan definitely wins for practicality.

King Ginger, not writing for Business Insider > jeffywk 09/12/2014 at 14:46

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Range Rover Evoque says, can't we have all?

Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis > jeffywk 09/12/2014 at 14:46

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Coming from a family of 5. Yes, sedans are way more practical. Mom has the Minivan/SUV kids + friends/stuff and Dad has the sedan for commuting plus have the flexibility of fitting the family if needed but at the same time not needing the extra space of a wagon.

Also, child seats, those dont always fit too well in coupes.

jeffywk > BKRM3 09/12/2014 at 14:47

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Do you have any experience with non-M3s?

burntartichoke > jeffywk 09/12/2014 at 14:49

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To keep with the BMW theme, the Gran Coupe!

When you want a Coupe but have to have more than 2 doors but don't want a Sedan because you don't like 4 doors...oh wait... Also known as lineup bloat and damn confusing to the enthusiasts.

BKRM3 > jeffywk 09/12/2014 at 14:51

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In fact I do! My coupe (E92) was a 335i. It was a 2007. My friend still owns one just like it, although his is AT and mine was a 6MT. I'm a BMW CCA guy so between my friends and club I'm pretty familiar with just about every BMW out there. Happy to help if you have any questions =)

jeffywk > Skater Dad 09/12/2014 at 14:51

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It can be a hassle to put stuff in the back, but sometimes it's worth it. My friends and I have gone camping several times and packed everything we needed for the weekend, including all coolers, tents, fire pit and more in two Porsche 911s, an Audi TT, and my Cooper S. Really funny to see people's reaction to how much stuff we fit in our tiny cars.

Jonathan Harper > Sam 09/12/2014 at 14:51

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Yes. I came here to post this pic.

jeffywk > burntartichoke 09/12/2014 at 14:53

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Don't even get me started on the whole BMW Grand Coupe v. Sedan thing.

Textured Soy Protein > jeffywk 09/12/2014 at 14:53

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Cars I have owned, ranked in order of practicality:

1. 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2 (tie). 1992 Acura Integra GS-R
2 (tie). 2006 Mazdaspeed 6
4. 2013 BMW 135is
5. 1999 Mazda Miata

The Integra & MS6 are a tie because while the MS6 was a lot roomier overall, extra chassis bracing behind the rear seats meant no flip down seats. The Integra with its hatch and flip down seats could fit a surprising amount of stuff inside.

Right now I have the 135is and Grand Cherokee. It's nice to have the practicality from the Jeep, but it's also nice that it's not my primary vehicle.

Also, hahahaha you think people will actually fit in the back of a Mini.

jeffywk > Textured Soy Protein 09/12/2014 at 14:55

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THEY DO! THEY DO FIT! They're surprisingly roomy in the back. Lots of head room, too.

qbeezy > Sam 09/12/2014 at 14:58

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Doors make life easier. Baby seats, moving, etc. I moved from Detroit to Oklahoma in my coupe. Rough. Coupés are ascetically beautiful, but more door less problems.

Textured Soy Protein > jeffywk 09/12/2014 at 14:59

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This guy sure looks happy the passenger seat has been flipped forward.

mcseanerson > jeffywk 09/12/2014 at 15:00

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That's why different cars for different people's life situations make sense. Like a diesel economy car makes no sense where I live because diesel costs more than petrol and petrol economy cars are cheaper and nearly as efficient.

TheCraigy > jeffywk 09/12/2014 at 15:11

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If you have 4 doors it's easy to use the rear seat space, period. There's no difficulty. Even if you don't carry passengers, it's really easy to put stuff back there. Groceries, luggage, dog, backpack, whatever. Back seat is easier to access than the trunk, too, and you don't have to pull over to get something out of the back seat.

Vs. much difficulty and awkwardness loading/unloading back seat in a coupe.

That said I chose coupe, mostly because it's more sexier. If I need something practical, that's what the wife's car is for.

TheCraigy > BKRM3 09/12/2014 at 15:12

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Pretty sure we've had this discussion before, but I'm just going to chime in and defend the honor of the e92 seatbelt butler and say it's awesome. ;)

TheCraigy > jeffywk 09/12/2014 at 15:14

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They want you to drive them around town, use your gas, lose your parking spot, and get puke in your car.

jeffywk > TheCraigy 09/12/2014 at 15:17

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probably true.

BKRM3 > TheCraigy 09/12/2014 at 15:18

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We have. You mean to tell me you STILL haven't pulled fuse #25? You wildman!

I almost fell out of my chair when I was watching Chris Harris do the review of the FF and that shitty "metal" cover on the end of the thing had fallen off and he stuffed it into a little storage compartment. He joked that it was indicative of Ferrari build quality, but of course it's a part borrowed from BMW!

TheCraigy > BKRM3 09/12/2014 at 15:26

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Hahaha. It still works quite well... I'll try to remember the fuse # in case I have to pull it :D

One tip I found on the web for when the belt starts to fall off:

Which probably won't help me out because it'll fall apart some other way... but I'll stay positive for now.

BKRM3 > TheCraigy 09/12/2014 at 15:30

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OMFG. THAT'S WHY!

....I still hate that thing, but this blows my mind.

miadaman? yes please > jeffywk 09/12/2014 at 15:30

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I have contemplated for a long time to rip out the passenger seat in my 2+2, extend the passenger rear seat, put a cooler on the driver rear seat and make it a "limo-coupe". Then I could justify charging my friends gas money for all those "well you're headed that direction anyway" rides.

Skater Dad > jeffywk 09/12/2014 at 15:39

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That would be a funny sight.

A coworker used to put his bike in the hatch of his Z06. He probably got a lot of looks for that also.

Manuél Ferrari > jeffywk 09/12/2014 at 15:55

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I like true coupes that were designed to be a coupe and nothing else. I like sedans better if the chassis is used for both a coupe and sedan version.

Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man > Bytemite 09/13/2014 at 03:17

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unless you haul stuff around like me, for my yard work and mowing business, I drive a 2000 mercury mountaineer, so I haul around a mower, other yard tools and tons of grass.

Jess > jeffywk 09/13/2014 at 11:42

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Personally, my most practical car is my CTS-V Wagon. Gas mileage sucks, but I work from home (no commuting) so who cares? Just ordered parts to give it the "stage 2" treatment of upper/lower pulleys, headers, cam, etc. I'll have a 10-second practical wagon that's a hoot to drive, with under $80K total invested. Big bonus is no euro-car maintenance and repair bill drama. Who can't love a 750 hp station wagon with a 6-speed manual trans?

Rykros the Disdainful - Supposed Petulant Capitulant Junkie > jeffywk 09/13/2014 at 12:47

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I think for many people, especially younger individuals, insurance rates have a significant amount to do with how many doors the vehicle of choice has.

In the instance of vehicles that have a 2 or 4 door option (and/or wagon), you'll find that insurance rates for the sedan and wagon are much cheaper. T'was precisely the reason why, when I was 21, I bought a 4-door Grand Prix GTP instead of a 2-door. Sure, it was a couple of pounds heavier, but the insurance was something like $30 per MONTH cheaper to insure.

Something about 2-door coupes being rates on "sport model" rates. My Ford Probe was considered a "sporty car" and reflected insurance rates to show for it, and imagine my surprise when I sold a 165hp "sport car" for a 240hp "sedan" and my insurance rates dropped despite the new car being larger and more powerful.

DanZman > jeffywk 10/07/2014 at 16:14

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call me a purist but I believe that a coupe has 2 doors, 2 seats and a fixed roof. no exceptions