While a three-wheel car often combines the advantages of a car and a motorcycle, they also carry the weaknesses of both. How so? First, let's look at the small size. There have been very few large three-wheelers throughout automotive history -- most of them end up being subcompacts or motorcycle-sized vehicles.
That means you won't see too many three-wheelers with large engines, and despite the high-performance of some models, most of them haven't set the world ablaze with their speed. For example, the Reliant Robin could only muster 0 to 60 miles per hour (0 to 96.6 kilometers per hour) in about 16 seconds. Another point to remember is they aren't quite as agile as motorcycles can be.
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Because of their smaller size, three-wheelers don't offer the seating and storage options you see in most four-wheel cars. They may be large enough for some people to use to get around town, but a small three-wheeler won't meet the needs of a large family with a lot of people or cargo to haul.
One of the main problems with three-wheel cars is instability. Anyone who's ever ridden a tricycle knows how easily they can tip over. That's because many three-wheel designs -- in the delta configuration -- are simply more prone to tipping over than four-wheel cars are. Three-wheeled cars, with one less wheel to provide support, carry an increased possibility of roll over in a corner. However, this instability can be reduced by choosing a three-wheeler with a tadpole setup -- two wheels up front. Cars that follow this pattern have proven to have greater cornering ability than the delta setup, which is why nearly all new three-wheel designs have gone this route.
We've weighed several of the strengths and weaknesses of three-wheeled vehicles. Next, let's look at what it takes to own one, including prices and laws regarding them in different areas.
