[CannisterFlux]

Backing out is easier in one respect, because you are backing onto a road or open parking area that's much wider than a car-width. Backing in requires maneuvering into a narrow spot that's only slightly wider than the car itself. You can't "miss" backing into the road again, but you can miss backing into a parking spot and it makes you feel really stupid for "showing off" and not driving straight in like most people do. Maybe this is just my parking anxiety showing...

[orwin]

You're supposed to have an easier time controlling your car in reverse. At least in all cars I drove, including my father utility truck with only side mirrors (and tbh, the small convex mirror below the regular one should be present on every vehicle).

When the parking spots are parallel to the road, I see people back in all the time, so I know it should be true for everyone.

[CannisterFlux]

Easier is relative :) You have better maneuverability in a way, but it's harder too because you're looking the wrong way, and the steering wheel turns opposite way to that which you are used to. I always have to think to myself "left hand down means the back goes over there...", it's not as instinctive as driving forwards.

[LatteLazy]

Um... The manoeuvres are identical in terms of geometry. Only direction changes. The only question is, do you want to be going forwards or backwards at various points. So it cannot be wider one way or the other.

(assuming your car is a rectangle)