Stretch Limo vs Regular Limo - Everything You Need To Know
Your unique event necessitates a particular vehicle. It’s always enjoyable and exciting to arrive in style and luxury, whether holding a bachelor party or attending prom. Limousines have earned enduring fame for their reliability, elegance, comfort, and ease of use as a mode of transportation. Whether going to the airport, going out for a special occasion, or booking a limousine for your wedding, limousines are the most adaptable transportation. Any function is always made more enjoyable and wealthy by using a limousine.
Limousine for hire has been booming for years, accommodating people who would want to experience the glitz and glamour of attending a special occasion while riding a luxurious limousine.
But you must have heard of a stretch limousine and confused it with the standard limousine we all used to know. So how to spot the difference?
This article will discuss the difference between stretch and regular limos and everything you need to know about them.
Table of Contents
What is a Stretch Limo?
A stretch limousine is a high-end vehicle operated by a chauffeur that can typically carry a large group of passengers. The vehicle is significantly longer than a regular luxury car, thanks to an extended wheelbase. Traditional stretch limo designs were based on smaller luxury automobiles, typically only offered in black or white. However, newer variants may also be modelled after other cars, such as SUVs, trucks, etc. Manufacturers can make a big difference in the comforts and extra features offered in the limousine.
Brief History:
The first motorized limousine was created in 1902. However, the driver was still required to sit outside while the passengers were provided with an enclosed space. With only 3 to 5 seats, limos weren’t necessary any longer than conventional cars at this stage. The first “stretch” limousine wasn’t made until 1928 by a business called Armbruster in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Initially, its primary purpose was to move jazz musicians and their huge ensembles from gig to gig. However, as time passed, more groups started favouring roomier seating, and “stretch” limousines became the norm.
The extravagant stretch limousine is still quite popular today. Manufacturers of popular automobile models are increasingly buying them from stretch limo designers, who then modify them into limos that are uniquely their own. A few luxury car manufacturers that have switched to the stretch limo industry over time include Hummer, Cadillac, and Rolls Royce.
Characteristics:
Extended cars are known as stretch limousines. The average stretch model has a stroke of 3 meters and a length of roughly 10 meters.
The name of the world’s longest limousine is “American Dream.” Guinness Book of Records entry for it. This vehicle was 30 meters in length, had 72 seats, 26 wheels, and a landing pad for a helicopter.
Luxury vehicles feature four doors, both conventional and extended models. The Lincoln 120 ultra-stretch variant has five entries for more straightforward entrance and egress. Stretch variants may carry up to six passengers comfortably.
Therefore, they are the perfect choice for a family vacation or transporting a group of friends. They can be utilized in various situations and are available in multiple colours and models.
The stretch limousine’s interior is adorned with TVs, stereo systems, tinted windows, refrigerators, the newest lighting fixtures, hot tubs, and many other amenities.
What is a Regular Limo?
A limousine is essentially a chauffeured luxury car. A limousine is a classy vehicle with additional amenities, including leather seating and bottled water, in contrast to a taxi, which also includes a driver. The limousine might be a stretch limousine, a sedan, a town car, a hybrid, a compact SUV, an SUV, or a flex-fuel vehicle. Suppose they are furnished by a limo business and have a skilled driver. In that case, even party buses and vans qualify as limos.
Traditional limos typically seat five or six people, not including the driver, and generally are a little longer than standard sedans. Even a good Lincoln Town Car can serve as a limousine. The term “limousine” does not relate to a particular brand or model of the car; instead, it describes a car with a larger trunk than a typical car. All you need for a vehicle to qualify as a limousine is a decent vehicle with plenty of rear seat legroom. Having a driver, or chauffeur, operate the car while you unwind in the rear also helps.
Brief History:
The idea of a chauffeured vehicle has existed since the 1700s in some shape or form. They began as horse-drawn carriages plated in gold and carried by only the most delicate animals, designed with the wealthy in mind.
The French province of Limoges, where it all began, gave rise to the feminine adjective limousine, which stands out among other cars (or, in this case, carriages) because it places the driver in a compartment wholly apart from the passenger.
Limousine use significantly took popularity in the 1930s. They carried guests on various sightseeing tours and from the airport to the hotel.
The term “Airporter Stretch Coach” therefore came into existence. The movie industry hopped on board as soon as it became clear that the vehicles were becoming increasingly well-liked. To move stagehands and camera operators around film sets, they employed limos. At that time, limousines also started to be a typical addition for movie stars. Unless you came in a long limousine, you weren’t “it.”
While still used to transport the wealthy and famous nowadays, limousines can now accommodate far bigger groups of passengers. The number of “new style” limos has increased due to the introduction of new technology and the availability of various types of stretch vehicles. Perfect for ferrying sizable crowds of people to and from events like parties, clubs, weddings, and wine tours.
Characteristics:
There is plenty of room for three persons in a basic sedan. The sedans are smaller than stretch limos but incredibly comfortable and offer much leg room. They are typically used as transportation for business professionals, clients, and bosses. For the best possible storage, they also include a big trunk.
Even if they don’t have the same amenities, they are all united by the same values of complete luxury and fun.
Modern luxury facilities like heated seats, stereos with CD players, adjustable headrests, and other features are available in newer limousine models. For additional security and safety, there is armour and bulletproof glass.
Stretch Limo vs Regular Limo – How do They Differ?
Here is everything you need to know to differentiate between the two so you can make an informed decision.
Limousine Length
You may have heard the word “auto” while referring to how different limousine lengths differ. Limousines’ expanded size is determined by automation in this situation. The primary distinction between a stretch limousine and a regular limousine is one of length.
Stretch Limousine:
Comparatively speaking, stretch limousines are more significant than standard limos. As a result, they have a benefit over classic limos because they can easily accommodate more passengers. Up to 20 persons can comfortably fit in stretch limos. So, employing a stretch limousine for a big celebration with plenty of attendees makes more sense. Of course, stretch and Lincoln limos come in various sizes and seating configurations so that you can appropriately reserve your preferred vehicle.
Regular Limousine:
The number of persons it can comfortably accommodate will significantly impact the type of limousine you choose to rent. Typically, a typical limousine can accommodate 6 to 8 people comfortably. For instance, the Hummer limousine can easily adjust at least eight passengers, making it ideal for business trips and meetings. People go to Melbourne to partake in travel and parties. People like these top limo services in Melbourne, offered by all the rental limo businesses, for travelling and attending family gatherings.
Luxury Level and Amenities Provided
The limousines are the best option if you adore luxury because they offer the most opulent and exquisite interiors. The seating arrangement, several screens, natural surroundings, and every other aspect are exceptional and fantastic. Stretch and standard limos offer superior luxury and service, making them equally appealing.
Stretch Limousine:
Stretch limousines’ extensive list of amenities, including a full-length roof that is often constructed of glass, inside lighting and decorations, full-sized bars, and intercoms, are their main draw. Stretch limos also use excellent speaker systems to make the ride enjoyable. Stretch limos provide the best experience and value for your money because they are correctly air-conditioned.
Regular Limousine:
Typical limousines are separate cars and are categorized as ordinary fleets or sedans. On the road, the aluminium wheels, the distinctive body style, the polished front end, and the exquisite colour grab attention. Users can customize the features of the vehicle to their preferences. For instance, you could switch on the lights at a party to draw attention to yourself. Such things can be avoided if you attend a funeral and choose a more sombre setting.
Purpose of Use
As was already established, every sort of limousine represents luxury, class, and a luxurious way of life. You can distinguish several features shared by extended and standard limos when comparing the two types of cars. As a result, stretch limos and regular limousines serve various functions.
Stretch Limousine:
Stretch limousines are regarded as iconic automobiles. As a result, it is frequently utilized to transport guests to formal parties and events. They are the ideal option for prom nights, sporting events, weddings, concerts, and other special occasions.
Standard Limousine:
On the other hand, regular limos are typically employed to transport guests to birthday and bachelorette parties. They are also excellent for business trips and airport transfers.
The driver’s abilities and professionalism
Stretch, and standard limos unquestionably require different levels of professionalism and skill from the driver.
Driver's Capability and Professionalism
Stretch, and standard limos unquestionably require different levels of professionalism and skill from the driver.
Stretch Limousine:
The stretch limousine requires good driving abilities because of its length and capacity to accommodate more passengers than a regular limousine. Stretch limos can only be safely driven by skilled drivers who are experts in operating such vehicles.
Standard Limousine
Airport transfers, business excursions, and special reservations can all be made in regular-style limousines. As a result, any motorist with a valid licence may operate it. To prevent driving issues, the driver must be thoroughly trained.
Key Take Away
So, the only distinction between a stretch limo and a limousine is the length of the vehicle. A sedan, town car, or another vehicle split in half, extended, and then welded back together is known as a stretch limo. In other words, a sedan is a limousine that, when stretched, transforms into a stretch limousine. A stretch limousine can be referred to as a limo and a conventional limousine. When considering renting a limousine, it’s crucial to understand the critical difference between various vehicle categories.