* Steam-powered cars were the dominant form of early automobiles. They used steam engines to power the wheels, and were relatively heavy and slow.
* Gas-powered cars were still in their early stages of development during the Victorian era. While some prototypes were created, they were unreliable and had limited range.
The internal combustion engine, which powered most modern cars, didn't become practical until the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This technological shift marked the end of the steam-powered car era.
