About Car Comparison Tool

Compare vehicles by specs, cost, fuel economy, and features. Part of the DevTools Surf developer suite. Browse more tools in the Calculators collection.

Use Cases

• Compare ICE vs hybrid vs EV total cost of ownership over 5 years
• Evaluate two vehicles at different price points by total monthly cost
• Model the financial impact of lease vs buy decisions
• Factor depreciation into the comparison of new vs certified pre-owned

Tips

• Enter the full purchase price including dealer fees and taxes — the 5-year cost comparison includes these in the total cost of ownership
• The fuel cost comparison adjusts for MPG and your local gas price; toggle to EV mode to input kWh/100mi and electricity rates
• Use the depreciation model to see resale value at 3 and 5 years — a vehicle that depreciates slower can be cheaper overall despite a higher sticker price

Fun Facts

• The average new car in the US costs $48,000 in 2024 — a 30% increase from 2019, driven by supply chain disruptions, semiconductor shortages, and increased feature content in base trims.
• Total cost of ownership (TCO) rather than purchase price was popularized as a comparison metric by Consumer Reports in the 1980s. Their methodology covers depreciation, interest, fuel, insurance, maintenance, and repairs over 5 years.
• Electric vehicles have significantly lower per-mile fuel costs (3-5 cents vs 12-15 cents for gasoline) but higher purchase prices. Breakeven vs a comparable ICE vehicle depends heavily on annual mileage and local electricity rates.

FAQ

Does the tool account for tax credits?

Yes — toggle the EV federal tax credit ($3,750 or $7,500 depending on vehicle eligibility post-IRA 2022) and state incentives to see the net purchase price. Income limits and MSRP caps apply — verify your eligibility separately.

What is included in total cost of ownership?

Purchase price minus expected resale value (depreciation), fuel costs, insurance, maintenance, and financing interest. Registration and taxes are included if you enter them in the purchase price field.

How accurate is the depreciation model?

The tool uses historical depreciation curves from industry data for common makes/models. Actual depreciation depends on market conditions, mileage, condition, and geographic demand — the model is directionally accurate, not precise.