Ancient Mindset

The biggest impediement to understanding ancient peoples is that to the modern eye, somebody riding a chariot looks like a dweeb. When Zeus punished a guy in a chariot, it wasn't for presumption in claiming divinity, but to improve mortal fashion standards.

Addendum

Harnessing war-cheetahs to your chariot is advisable only if flight is anticipated, and people will judge your bravery accordingly.

Military Innovation

If you had a chariot pulled by crabs, you could strafe. There's probably a planet out there which has crabs big enough that hasn't figured this out yet, but soon a great empire will arise.

Addendum

And if they have a thousand distinct terms like terrestrial conveyances do, all the better. Quick, which one's a brougham? That's an easier one, as you can tell because I remembered the name.

Fantasy Spaceships

Often they're based on sailing ships, but likening space to the oceans is a more recent thing. Fantasy spaceships should be reminiscent of chariots, wagons, and carriages.