Difference between Mechanical Engineering and Automotive Engineering

Key Difference: Mechanical Engineering is a branch of engineering that involves the design, construction and operation of a machinery. On the other hand, Automotive Engineering specifically deals with the construction and design of automobiles. Automotive Engineering is a sub branch of Vehicle Engineering. Automotive engineering is also considered as a sub-branch of mechanical engineering that has split from the main branch to focus on the field of automotive study.

Mechanical engineering is a branch of engineering that primarily deals with the tools and machines. It focuses on the production, design and application related concepts concerning the tools and machines. This branch plays a vital role in the development of processes and products. However, the products may range from a tiny component to a massive machine.

Mechanical Engineers are involved throughout the lifecycle of a product; whether it is a research phase or a development phase. This engineering field covers a broad spectrum of devices and machineries. The engineers are widely employed in diverse sectors like manufacturing, power, construction and medical industries.

Automotive is used as an adjective that indicates something that is related to or concerned with motor vehicles (automobiles). It denotes anything that is pertaining to motor vehicles; anything that is propelled by a self contained motor, engine or the like. Therefore, Automotive Engineering also deals with the construction and designing of automobiles.

Automotive Engineering may be further specialized in any of the aspects of entire engineering process like the design or the testing and research. There are numerous job opportunities for the Automotive Engineers as their primary employers include – automobile companies, manufacturers of individual car components, companies that produce automotive related accessories and consumables like tyres, dashboards. They are also hired by concept automobile design firms, motor-sport teams and also by automotive consultancy firms.

Comparison between Mechanical Engineering and Automotive Engineering:

	Mechanical Engineering	Automotive Engineering
Definition	Mechanical Engineering is a branch of engineering involving the design, construction and operation of machinery.	Automotive Engineering specifically deals with the construction and design of automobiles. Automotive Engineering is a sub branch of vehicle engineering. It deals with vehicles that ply on roads.
Sub-branches/Specifications	Power Plant Engineering Marine Engineering Aerospace Engineering Automotive Engineering HVAC Engineering Computer Aided Engineering Mechatronics	Construction and lightweight construction Automotive production Vehicle drives and acoustics Vehicle control systems
Aims	To design and implement cost-effective equipment modifications that improve safety, reliability and throughput. Develop a project specification. To develop, test and evaluate theoretical designs. To solve complex problems related to manufacturing process. To make a product that performs consistently in specified operating environments. To manage projects using engineering principles and techniques. To plan innovative products and processes related to machinery and tools. To provide the specifications and outline designs. To develop research, analytical, conceptual and planning skills. To consider the issues related to cost, safety and time constraints associated with a machine or a tool And many more	To learn the basics of engineering. To understand and assess the safety engineering. To measure the fuel economy and emissions. To understand vehicle dynamics. New prototypes are designed by keeping these issues in mind. To evaluate durability and corrosion engineering concepts. To understand and plan the costing model of a vehicle. To assess the quality in the production process. To design automobiles. To focus on the maintenance related processes of the automobiles. And many more
Career Prospects	Engineering and manufacturing - It includes areas such as transport, rail, energy and telecommunications. Typical employers in manufacturing include automotive and aircraft manufacturers, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and consumer goods. Energy and utilities – It includes the career prospects in drilling, construction, diving supplies, energy transportation, petrol retailers, or refineries.	Automobile Engineering Technicians Safety Engineering Emissions Research NVH ( Noise, Vibration and Harshness) Engineers Performance Engineer Vehicle Dynamics Controller Operations Research Designing
Associated laboratories	Automation Engineering Lab CAD/CAM Lab Theory of Machine Lab Metrology Lab Energy Conversion Lab Heat Transfer Lab Automobile Engineering Lab Fluid Power Lab Measurement Systems Lab Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Lab Non-Conventional Energy Systetems Lab Strength of Material Lab Engineering Metallurgy Lab Research Lab	Elements of Auto Engineer Lab Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic Engineering Lab CAD/CAM lab Auto Pollution and Control Lab Strength of Material Lab Heat & Mass Technology Lab Automotive Engines Lab Production Technology Lab Elements of Mechanical Engineering Lab Design of Automobile Components Lab Thermodynamics Lab Vehicle Maintenance Lab