Head-to-Head
UK car comparisons — reliability, costs & verdicts
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Choosing between two cars isn't just about the sticker price. The real cost of ownership unfolds over years — insurance premiums, fuel economy, road tax bands, servicing intervals, and depreciation all compound. Our head-to-head comparisons cut through marketing claims with DVLA-verified specifications, real MOT failure data, and running cost projections.
Whether you're weighing a German executive saloon against a rival, choosing between popular hatchbacks for a new driver, or comparing electric vehicles for your next company car, each comparison breaks down performance, reliability, insurance groups, annual running costs, and resale value — so you can make an informed decision backed by data, not dealership spin.
DVLA-verified
Specs & tax bands
MOT failure data
Real reliability
5-year costs
Running & depreciation
Comparison FAQs
How do I choose between two similar cars?
Start with your primary use case — commuting, family, or performance. Then compare running costs (fuel, insurance group, road tax), reliability data from MOT history, and depreciation. A £2,000 price difference can be swallowed by £500/year higher running costs over four years.
Which is cheaper to run: petrol, diesel, or electric?
Electric vehicles are typically cheapest per mile (2–4p/mile vs 12–15p/mile for petrol), but have higher upfront costs. Diesel suits high-mileage motorway drivers. Petrol is best for low-mileage urban driving. Use our running cost calculator for exact figures.
How does MOT history affect a car comparison?
MOT history reveals recurring failures, advisory patterns, and mileage consistency — all indicators of long-term reliability. A car with repeated brake advisories will cost more to maintain than one with clean MOT history.
What insurance group should I look for?
Insurance groups range from 1 (cheapest) to 50 (most expensive). Groups 1–10 are ideal for new drivers. Family cars typically sit in groups 10–25. Performance cars can reach groups 40+. Lower groups can save £500+/year on premiums.
Are electric cars cheaper to maintain than petrol?
Generally yes — EVs have fewer moving parts (no oil changes, no cambelt, fewer brake pad replacements due to regenerative braking). However, battery replacement after 8–10 years can cost £5,000–£12,000. Most EVs include 8-year battery warranties.
Also See
Car Maintenance Guides