Weight Class

Weight Classes are stats in the Mario Kart Series that determine which characters can ride which karts.

Light/Small class
These karts are typically slow and easy to push around but have excellent acceleration, maneuverability, and off-road stats (though there are exceptions). These karts are only recomended for beginners or for who are learning a new input type (such as Wii Remote and GCN Controller for MKWii). Typical characters in this class are child characters, Toad, Koopa-Troopa, Paratroopa (in MKDD), and DryBones (MKDS, MKWii).

Medium/Middleweight class
These karts are typically average in all stats. These karts are great for Beginners and Experts alike, especially in GP and VS. Typical characters in this class are Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Birdo, Peach, Daisy (although the latter four are sometimes Lightweights).

Large/Heavy class
These karts are typically fast and hard to push around, but have poor acceleration, maneuverability, and off-road stats (though there are exceptions). these karts are recomended for experts (especially in time trial). Typical Characters in this class are Bowser, Donkey Kong, Wario, King Boo (ironically), and Waluigi (although he is also sometimes listed as a Middleweight)