Automobiles are a major part of our daily life. We use them for work and play, and we travel more than three trillion miles each year. The automobile industry has grown so rapidly that there are now more than a trillion cars on the road in the United States. Manufacturers are increasingly introducing new designs and models to keep up with demand.
Automobiles differ from motorcycles in many ways, including their size, number of seats, and ability to transport a large number of people. Motorcycles are often not considered automobiles, although some models may be classified as such. These vehicles are often a three-wheeler, or may have a sidecar that transports passengers.
The modern automobile began to emerge in the late 1800s, based on the invention of the internal combustion engine by Dutch scientist Christiaan Huygens. The first motorwagen, a two-seater car, was constructed in Mannheim, Germany, in 1885. It was patented on 29 January 1886. By the end of the 19th century, Henry Ford had built a car based on this new engine. The early versions of the automobile were steam-powered, and could reach high speeds. However, they had limited range and were difficult to start. By the turn of the century, battery-powered automobiles had become popular. However, they lacked range and were difficult to find charging stations.
Another important aspect of motorcycles is their handling. The wheelbase of a motorcycle affects the way it handles, and a motorcycle with a long wheelbase will have more stability. A motorcycle with a short wheelbase may have a tendency to lift its opposite wheel off the road, causing the opposing wheel to fly off the road.