The Heavyweights Vs The Lightweights
When it comes to cars, weight can mean two very different things. On one end, it brings safety tech and stretch-your-legs luxury. On the other hand, it makes parking effortless and gives you go-kart thrills in traffic. In this list, you’ll meet both extremes—the metal-laden giants and the lightweight marvels. This ride through girth and grace will surprise you! So, let’s start with the heaviest cars built for presence, prestige, and power.
1. ZIL-41047 Limousine (7,352 Lbs)
Only 234 were ever made between 1985 and 2010, each hand-assembled by ZiL's Moscow factory and used by former President Mikhail Gorbachev up to 1991. A 7.7-liter V8 powered its armor-capable frame. The weight contributed to its sluggish acceleration, taking 13 seconds to reach 62 mph despite its powerful engine.
2. 1974 Cadillac Fleetwood Seventy-Five Limousine (6,030 Lbs)
Presidents and mayors rode in its triple-row bench layout under a very long steel hood. Built on the D-body platform with a 472-cubic-inch V8, the 1974 model was one of the last before GM's emissions-era downsizing. It came standard with automatic level control and jump seats.
1975 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75 Formal Limousine | For Sale $6,900 by Unique Classic Cars
3. Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase (6,126 Lbs)
Each Mulsanne EWB's production is labor-intensive, and the entire Mulsanne takes around 400 hours to build, including 136 hours for interior trimming. Owners often customized details, such as marquetry depicting their yachts, while the picnic tables could be ordered in gold in rarer versions.
1 of 25 Bentley Mulsanne EWB - FULL REVIEW by Miller Motorcars
4. Mercedes EQS SUV (6,195 Lbs)
Built on Mercedes' EVA2 platform, it uses a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system paired with a massive 108.4 kWh battery. Optional cabin features include the MBUX Hyperscreen—a 56-inch glass panel housing three separate displays. Climate-conscious buyers can opt for leather-free interiors made of recycled ocean plastics.
5. Mercedes-Maybach GLS (6,140 Lbs)
Standard models include electrically extending running boards and two-tone paint applied by hand over several days. Under the hood is a V8 4.0L twin-turbo accompanied by EQ Boost, producing 550 horsepower. It debuted in 2019 as Maybach's first SUV, marketed toward China's expanding ultra-luxury SUV segment.
Mercedes-Maybach GLS review with max speed on the Autobahn! 😱 by carwow
6. Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge (5,865 Lbs)
With a 6.75L twin-turbo V12, it comes with a reinforced aluminum architecture. While lighter than traditional steel, it contributes to its heft due to the vehicle's considerable 5.34-meter length. This darker, bolder trim features gloss-black detailing and thicker acoustic insulation.
7. Mercedes-Maybach S650 Pullman (6,094 Lbs)
Stretching over 21 feet long, it uses the same twin-turbocharged 6.0L V12 as the AMG S65. The rear features opposing "vis-à-vis" seats behind an electrochromatic privacy divider. Only 30 Pullmans were made per year, mostly for royals, dignitaries, and clients who had armored customization requests.
2019 Mercedes Maybach S650 Pullman exterior review walkaround 4K by Jack_007choigame
8. Rolls-Royce Phantom (6,052 Lbs)
Despite being shorter than the EWB, it uses the same aluminum spaceframe architecture introduced in 2017. Suspension sensors analyze the road 500 times per second to adjust damping in real-time. No two Phantoms are alike; even the umbrella hidden in the door panel can be monogrammed.
Bob Adams from Amanzimtoti, South Africa on Wikimedia
9. Volvo EX90 Performance Ultra (6,048 Lbs)
Debuting in 2024, it introduced Volvo's new NVIDIA-powered safety system, which utilizes LiDAR and interior eye-tracking sensors. Dual motors generate 496 horsepower, but the focus remains on crash avoidance and digital stability. It's the first Volvo with a Google-based infotainment platform embedded into its UI.
The Performance! 2025 Volvo EX90 Performance Ultra. by Vagabond Builds
10. BMW XM Label (5,974 Lbs)
Released in 2024 as BMW's most powerful production SUV, the XM Label combines a 738-hp plug-in hybrid V8 with bold styling and M-specific tuning. Built in Spartanburg, South Carolina, it's heavier than a 7 Series and rivals the curb weight of full-size luxury SUVs.
So, the heavyweights are cleared. Now, let’s make some room for the light squad.
1. Peel P50 (130 Lbs)
Built in 1962 on the Isle of Man, the Peel P50 earned fame as the world's smallest production car. Its three wheels and single door made parking effortless, while its single-cylinder engine capped speeds around 38 mph. Jeremy Clarkson famously drove it indoors on TV.
2. Messerschmitt KR 200 (506 Lbs)
Messerschmitt adapted its fighter jet design skills to a quirky bubble canopy microcar after World War II. Produced from the year 1955 onward, the KR 200 had tandem seating, aircraft-style controls, and a 191cc two-stroke engine, blending aviation heritage with postwar economy needs.
3. Grinnall Scorpion III (726 Lbs)
British manufacturer Grinnall created this reverse trike using a BMW K-series motorcycle engine. It features double wishbone suspension and a lightweight frame, delivering 0–60 mph in under six seconds. The open cockpit and three-wheel layout make it a thrilling blend of motorcycle agility and car stability.
4. Aixam City Evo (772 Lbs)
Designed to comply with European quadricycle regulations, you can drive the Aixam City without a full driving license in some countries. Its diesel engine and automatic transmission accompany its ultra-light body panels. Popular among teens and urban commuters, it prioritizes maneuverability.
2019 Aixam City Evo - Exterior and Interior - Paris Auto Show 2018 by Automobile Classics
5. Reliant Robin (992 Lbs)
This iconic British three-wheeler was produced from 1973 to 2002. Its fiberglass body and small engine made it lightweight but unstable. Despite infamous rollovers, it gained a cult following for affordability and quirky charm, famously featured in Top Gear sketches.
Niels de Wit from Lunteren, The Netherlands on Wikimedia
6. Model T Ford (1,200 Lbs)
Henry Ford revolutionized personal transportation with the Model T, the first mass-produced, budget-friendly car. It was lightweight thanks to vanadium steel and a simple design. Launched in 1908, it was also easy to repair, making vehicle ownership a reality for the middle class.
1919 Ford Model T Review - Learning To Drive A 100+ Year Old Car! by Shooting Cars
7. Smart Fortwo (1,823 Lbs)
Mercedes and Swatch teamed up in the late '90s to produce this city car that had a rear-mounted engine and a Tridion safety cell. Its compact size made it perfect for tight urban parking while still offering decent crash protection and efficiency.
DestinationFearFan on Wikimedia
8. Peugeot 106 (1,852 Lbs)
Released in 1991, the Peugeot 106 became a beloved small hatchback well-known for its agile handling and fuel efficiency. Rally variants took the car to competition success in Group N due to its sporty potential, despite its light curb weight.
Will I say goodbye to the Peugeot 106? Meet the Fleet Episode 1. by Lawrie's Mechanical Marvels
9. Suzuki Celerio (1,940 Lbs)
The Celerio was introduced in 2008 with a 1.0L engine emphasizing fuel economy and space efficiency. Its lightweight build enables nearly 50 miles per gallon, making it a practical city car with surprising interior room for passengers.
Suzuki Celerio in-depth review - Carbuyer by Carbuyer
10. Volkswagen Up! (1,940 Lbs)
VW Up! combined compact urban design with a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Its modular infotainment system and efficient engine made it a wise choice for most European cities, as it balanced lightweight agility alongside modern tech.
