Size/Market Segment: Coupes and two-door hatchbacks are typically based on a corresponding four-door sedan. The majority of coupes currently on the market are either compact or midsize, while most hatchbacks are compacts.

Price: Economy two-doors start at just over $10K, while some exotic coupes run in excess of $100K. Lower-priced coupes and hatchbacks tend to cost slightly less than their four-door counterparts, while premium coupes are often several hundred dollars more than their sedan counterparts.

Operating Costs: Between their low prices and great mileage, economy coupes and hatchbacks promise exceptionally low operational costs. Midrange and luxury coupes generally offer mileage on par with their sedan counterparts, but some insurance companies consider them sportier than sedans so premiums are sometimes higher.

Engine/Fuel Economy: Economy coupes and hatchbacks generally use efficient four-cylinder engines that can return as much as 30-40 mpg. Most offer at least passable acceleration, and sport variants can be downright quick. Most midsize coupes use larger six-cylinder engines that deliver more exciting performance but reduced fuel economy. Luxury coupes often employ high-powered six- or eight-cylinder engines that provide thrilling performance but below-average gas mileage.

Safety: Lower-priced coupes and hatchbacks can usually be equipped with side airbags, but their small size does make them vulnerable to larger vehicles in the event of a crash. Midsize two-doors often employ the same sophisticated systems found in their family sedan counterparts, so overall protection is generally very good. Luxury coupes invariably come standard with the latest in safety technology, such as side curtain airbags and stability control systems.

Luxury Features/Convenience: Even economy coupes offer a fair range of amenities these days, including air-conditioning, CD stereos and power windows, mirrors and locks. Midlevel two-doors often come in upscale trims only, so amenities like leather, premium audio systems and power everything are common. Luxury coupes come loaded with everything from heated and cooled seats to navigation systems.

Passenger Capacity/Interior Space: Although coupes have backseats, they typically offer very limited passenger room. Economy two-doors often have bench seats in the rear, while some midlevel and luxury coupes are designed to accommodate two passengers only.

Manual vs. Automatic Transmission: Most coupes usually provide a choice between a manual and an automatic transmission. A few luxury coupes offer automatics only, while a few highly focused performance coupes come only with a manual gearbox. Manual transmissions typically provide better performance and mileage, while automatics make stop-and-go driving less cumbersome. Many of the newer automatics offer manual shift modes, complete with shift paddles, to help bridge the performance gap. On performance-oriented models, you will sometimes see sequential manual transmissions that use an electronically controlled clutch and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Sequential gearboxes eliminate the possibility of driver error and typically provide faster gearchanges, but also tend to result in a less involving driving experience.

Cargo Capacity: Most coupes provide almost as much cargo space as their sedan counterparts. Two-door hatchbacks offer additional cargo room in most cases compared to traditional trunks, as well as easier access to items stowed in back.

Body Style – Coupe or Hatchback: Like most sedans, a coupe typically has a standard trunk. Two-door hatchbacks provide additional room by extending the roof line to the rear of the vehicle and using a rear hatch that opens much wider than most trunk lids.