Rahul Gandhi’s Car Vs Bike Weight Analogy Sparks BJP Jibe: ‘If Anybody Can Decode…’

Last Updated:October 03, 2025, 14:54 IST

Rahul Gandhi questioned car weight at EIA University in Colombia, linking it to electric mobility.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was speaking to students of the EIA University. (IMAGE: PTI)

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, currently visiting Colombia, raised a question that left students and critics equally intrigued. Speaking at EIA University, Gandhi asked why a car requires nearly 3,000 kilograms of metal to carry one person while a motorcycle weighing about 100 kilograms can carry two.

“To carry one passenger, you need 3,000 kg of metal in a car, while a 100-kg motorcycle carries two passengers. So why is a motorcycle able to carry two passengers with 150 kg of metal and a car needs 3,000?” the Congress MP said.

Gandhi linked the question to the broader transition to electric mobility. He argued that the difference comes from the engine and its role during accidents. “In a motorcycle, when you have an impact, the engine is separated from you. So, the engine doesn’t hurt you. In a car, when you have an impact, the engine comes into the car. So, the car is designed to stop the engine from killing you,” he explained.

According to him, electric motors change this design problem by breaking up the centralised power system of an internal combustion engine. “The electric motor allows you to put a motor there, and there, and there. So, the electric motor is a decentralization of power. That’s really its effectiveness,” Gandhi said.

The remarks quickly drew a sharp response from the BJP, which dismissed his explanation. “I haven’t heard this much gibberish in one go. If anyone can decode what Rahul Gandhi is trying to say here, I would be glad to be enlightened. But if you are as amused as I am, rest assured, you are not alone,” BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya said.

According to JD Power, the weight difference between cars and motorcycles is largely due to structural design and safety features. Cars have reinforced frames, airbags, and crumple zones to protect occupants during collisions, which adds significantly to their mass.

Cars also carry multiple passengers and their belongings, requiring a larger and sturdier structure. Motorcycles, by contrast, are built for one or two riders and use far less material.

Powertrain components contribute as well. Car engines are larger and more powerful, demanding heavier components, while motorcycle engines are smaller and designed for efficiency and agility. Aerodynamic design and materials like steel and aluminum further increase car weight while maintaining strength and durability.

Marathamotorcycles.com adds that motorcycles are lighter because they are designed for simpler functionality and minimal structural reinforcement. Their compact size and focus on rider-only operation mean they require far less metal than cars, which are built for multiple passengers, cargo, and high safety standards.

About the Author

Shankhyaneel Sarkar

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev…Read More

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev… Read More

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