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How to Compare Two Cars Objectively

How to compare two cars objectively in the US—same assumptions, total cost of ownership, and fit so you choose the right car.

AutoPremo Team
January 31, 2026
2 min read

To compare two cars objectively in the U.S., use the same assumptions (miles, location, financing), total cost of ownership over 5 years, and fit (size, use case)—so you choose the right car, not the one that "feels" better. Here's how to compare two cars objectively.

TL;DR Compare two cars objectively by (1) using the same assumptions—miles, fuel/electricity price, insurance, financing; (2) comparing total cost of ownership over 5 years; (3) comparing fit—size, use case, features. Use autopremo.com total cost of ownership to compare fairly.

How to Compare Two Cars Objectively

  • Same assumptions — miles per year, fuel/electricity price, insurance (get quotes for both), financing (rate, term). Use the same inputs for both cars so the comparison is fair. Use autopremo.com total cost of ownership.
  • Total cost of ownership — purchase/loan + depreciation + fuel + insurance + maintenance over 5 years. Compare both cars using autopremo.com total cost of ownership. The car with lower total cost is often the better financial choice—unless fit differs.
  • Fit — size, use case (commute, family, towing), features. If one car fits your needs better and total cost is similar, choose fit. If total cost is very different, factor that in. Use autopremo.com.
  • Don't compare payment only — payment hides total cost and term. Compare total cost—not just payment. Use autopremo.com.
Compare two cars at autopremo.com.

What to Do

  • Plug both cars into total cost of ownership — same miles, same location, same financing assumptions. Use autopremo.com total cost of ownership.
  • Compare total cost — which car costs less over 5 years? Use autopremo.com.
  • Compare fit — which car fits your needs? If total cost is similar, choose fit. If total cost is very different, decide how much you're willing to pay for fit. Use autopremo.com.
Get total cost at autopremo.com.

Bottom Line

Compare two cars objectively by using the same assumptions and total cost of ownership over 5 years—and by comparing fit. Use autopremo.com to compare fairly so you choose the right car.

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