How Many Types of Engines Are There in A Car? ​

As the core component of automobiles, engines come in a wide variety of types, each with unique working modes and performance characteristics.

1. Classified by fuel type

Gasoline engines are the most common, generating power by igniting a mixture of gasoline and air through spark plugs. It has high speed, smooth operation, and relatively simple structure, and many common family cars are equipped with gasoline engines. However, its fuel economy is average and its emissions are relatively high.

Diesel engines rely on compressed air to ignite diesel, with a high compression ratio, strong power, and high fuel efficiency. They are commonly used in large vehicles such as trucks and buses. The disadvantage is that the noise and vibration during work are relatively high, and there are more particulate matter in the emissions.

Natural gas engines use natural gas as fuel, burn cleanly, and have lower costs, but their power output is slightly weaker than gasoline and diesel engines, and are more common on buses and taxis in some cities.

2. Divided by intake method

A naturally aspirated engine allows air to enter the cylinder through its own pressure, with a simple structure, high reliability, and good linear power output. However, in high-altitude areas or scenarios with high power requirements, the intake volume is limited and the power will be affected.

Turbocharged engines use exhaust gas to drive the turbocharger, forcing more air into the cylinders, which can significantly increase engine power and torque. For example, some small displacement turbocharged engines have power performance comparable to large displacement naturally aspirated engines. However, turbo lag is more pronounced in some car models, where there is a delay in power response during rapid acceleration.

A turbocharged engine, driven directly by the engine crankshaft, has stable operation, rapid power response, and no turbo lag. It only consumes some engine power, and the fuel economy is slightly inferior.

3. Divided by cylinder arrangement form

In line engine, all cylinders are arranged in a row, with a simple structure, low manufacturing cost, compact size, and good stability. It is commonly used in small displacement vehicles, such as the four cylinder inline engine in many family sedans.

The V-shaped engine has two groups of cylinders arranged in a V-shape, with small height and length dimensions, smooth operation, and can provide more space for the vehicle. It is commonly used in mid to large luxury cars and high-performance sports cars.

The horizontally opposed engine has pistons moving in opposite directions in the horizontal direction, a low center of gravity, and good vehicle handling. However, it requires high manufacturing processes and costs, with typical representatives being some models of Porsche and Subaru.

There are many types of automobile engines, each of which has its own advantages in specific fields, meeting the diverse needs of consumers for power, economy, environmental protection, and other aspects.