What are the engine sizes and how do they differ?

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41

The engine is the heart of every car. Its main characteristics are power, which is measured in horsepower (hp), and volume, measured in liters or cubic centimeters. There is an opinion that the higher the last indicator, the better the car. We can agree with this, but only in part. It all depends on what the purpose of the operation of the car is pursued. Powerful units have both their pluses and minuses. Small engine sizes are quite viable and enjoy some popularity among all segments of the population.

Classification of cars by engine size

Immediately need to figure out how this value is obtained. Each "engine" consists of a certain number of cylinders. The total indicator of their internal size determines this most important characteristic for the part. It is important that diesel and gasoline cars have a different classification. If we talk about the latter, it is customary to single out: minicars (up to 1.1 l), small cars (from 1.2 to 1.7 l), medium-sized cars (from 1.8 to 3.5 l) andlarge cars (over 3.5 liters). Also, engine volumes depend on the class of car - the higher it is, the stronger the engine. This directly affects the speed of movement and fuel consumption. Obviously, a more voluminous mechanism will allow you to accelerate quite quickly, and small cars are not designed for racing. But it is worth paying tribute to modern models, which also show convincing numbers on the speedometer and with small "engines".

How does a car's engine size affect fuel consumption?

Many will immediately answer, which is directly proportional. And they will be right. It is known that powerful machines consume more. But on the track, the opposite effect occurs - they are a little more economical. This difference is not felt due to the fact that in the conditions of the city everything turns out to be exactly the opposite.

But do not think that power depends only on this indicator. Equally important are the torque and gear ratios of the gearbox. Sometimes it happens that a weak motor that pulls well on the "lower classes" is much better than a larger brother, but with poor traction.

It is generally accepted that the engine size of a diesel car must necessarily be large. But modern models run great on 1.1-liter babies without problems, and motorcycles even install motors of 0.6 liters each.

How does the price of a car depend on the size of the engine?

It's no secret that more powerful units are more expensive. This is due to the fact that engine volumes of more than 2.5 liters are used for carshigh class, which require other expensive mechanisms in the assembly. Someone may say that you will have to spend money not only upon purchase, but also during operation on fuel. But you always have to pay for comfort?

Another opinion is that large engine volumes provide it with a long service life. This is far from true. After all, the operating time of this part does not depend on the size, but on the quality of the fuels and lubricants used during its operation, careful maintenance and the conditions in which the car is located.

When choosing a car, you need to carefully consider which engine size is optimal. Do not chase after prestige and overpay for extra cubic centimeters. It is best to treat a car simply as a means of transportation.