Is mechanical and automobile engineering same?
Difference according to study
In mechamical engineering you will learn every mechanical object or machines out there in the world. You will have more generalised subjects like theory of machines, dynamics and kinetics of machines. You will have machine oriented problems.
While in Automobile engineering you will learn Automobile IC engines, Vehicle Dynamics, Vehicle kinematics, etc
Difference according to career opportunities
You can get your job more easily with degree of Mechanical engineer than Automobile engineer. Truth being that every firm prefers mechanical Er. over Automobile Er. Even some automobile companies prefer Mech. Er.
If you are looking for masters in Automobile engineering than this can be good option.
Whereas mechanical engineering includes all solid, fluid and gas mechanics.