What’s the difference between a coupe and sedan?

You’ve likely heard the words “sedan” and “coupe” thrown around from time to time if you’ve shopped for a new car. You might be able to instinctively tell the difference between coupes and sedans, but what exactly differentiates? The Versa, Altima, and Maxima are all sedans, yet the Versa is much smaller than the latter two. The 370z, however, is a coupe. Let’s explore how each body style is defined. 

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What is a coupe? 

In its most rudimentary sense, a coupe is a small car. There are also small cars that are defined as sedans so the whole thing can be confusing. More specifically, coupe cars are ones that have sloped rooflines, two doors (as opposed to four), two primary front seats, and two very small back seats. Some manufacturers have applied the “coupe” label to sporty versions of sedan models, although they don’t technically meet the “standards.” Although they are limited on space, coupes are great for those without kids or those who want a small, fun ride. The 370z is the only true coupe in Nissan’s lineup. 

Check out our inventory of coupes and sedans. 

What is a sedan? 

Okay, so now you’ve got the basics of what generally makes a coupe a coupe. Sedans, on the other hand, almost always have four doors. Pretty much any four-door car can be identified as a sedan (compact, mid-size, or full-size). Sedans also have a longer wheelbase and much more legroom. Even the cargo space is typically much greater, and sedans are better equipped for extended road trips. To put it as simple as possible, sedans are bigger and have more room for stuff. That’s probably intuitive anyway, but now you know some more specifics! 

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