Types of Car Engines: A Comprehensive Guide to Different Engines

Types of Car Engines  

Key Points

• The engine is a vital part of a vehicle that provides the power necessary for it to function.
• There are many different types of car engines, with varying layouts and cylinder configurations.
• Engine layouts can vary, with common options including straight, inline, V, and flat configurations. Cylinder configurations also vary, with options ranging from twin-cylinder to six-cylinder engines.
• Most late-model vehicles use internal combustion engines, which ignite fuel to convert energy into torque.
• The combustion cycle in an internal combustion engine consists of intake, compression, combustion and exhaust strokes.

There are many important parts of a vehicle that help keep it running and able to move from place to place. One of the most vital is the engine. It produces the power necessary for your car to function.

Did you know there are many types of car engines out there? The layouts and cylinder configurations can vary. Keep reading to find out more about how vehicle engines work, as well as some of the different layouts and configurations.

How Car Engines Work

While there are several different types of engines, when it comes to size and layout, all late-model vehicles (apart from hybrid electric models) use the internal combustion engine.

Combustion is the process that results from energy being released from the fuel and air mixture present inside an engine. An internal combustion engine burns fuel to convert chemical energy into torque, or mechanical energy.

Internal combustion engines feature fixed cylinders and moving pistons. The mechanical energy that’s generated is used to help push the pistons, which then rotate the crankshaft. Gears that are set in motion in the powertrain help move the wheels on the vehicle.

Combustion cycle

There are thousands of controlled explosions occurring every minute the engine is running. Most internal combustion engines have a four-stroke combustion cycle:

• Intake: The air-fuel mixture gets drawn in through intake valves and sent to the cylinders.
• Compression: Both intake and exhaust valves are closed during the compression stroke. As pistons move up, the air and fuel mixture is compressed.
• Combustion: The spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture with a spark, creating a small explosion. This causes the pistons to get pushed down forcefully.
• Exhaust: The final process in the cycle is the exhaust stroke. The exhaust valve opens, and gases created during combustion are expelled as the piston moves back up.

Diesel engines are also often four-stroke engines, but they’re different from engines that are gasoline-powered in how they perform the combustion process. Instead of using spark plugs to ignite the air-fuel mixture, they rely on high compression ratios.

Types of Engines’ Layouts

While most vehicles use internal combustion engines, the setup of these engines can vary. The cylinder layouts can vary, depending on the amount of power a manufacturer wants the car to have or to ensure the engine will fit the space that’s allotted.

The most common cylinder layouts include:

• Straight: Cylinders in a straight engine layout are arranged in a line parallel to the car from front to back. This allows more cylinders to fit, making this layout popular for powerful sedan models.
• Inline: Inline engines feature cylinders that are arranged side-by-side and upright. This is a popular configuration since it allows for a smaller, compact engine.

• V: When viewed from the front, the cylinders in a V-engine are arranged in a V-shape. They feature the cylinders arranged at a 60-degree angle. These engines allow a lot of cylinders to fit and are often found in high-performance models.
• Flat: Also referred to as a boxer engine, the cylinders lie horizontally. This engine type is uncommon and is most often found in Porsche vehicles. They do offer the benefit of a low center of gravity within the engine bay.

Cylinder Configurations

The number of cylinders a vehicle has helps determine the amount of power an engine can produce. Items like turbochargers allow for extra compression in the combustion chamber, meaning engine power can be increased without adding more cylinders.

The smallest engine configuration is a twin-cylinder, but these don’t offer much power or capacity. However, they are sometimes found on smaller eco-friendly engines.

Three-cylinder engines typically are arranged in a straight-engine layout and can sometimes be found on smaller vehicles or hatchbacks. This compact design provides good fuel economy, and cars can still have a decent amount of power with the addition of a turbocharger.

The most common engine configuration is the four-cylinder, which is found on a variety of vehicles from small to midrange. A four-cylinder engine is set up in an inline design and offers a good amount of engine output.

The number of cylinders in an engine can continue to increase, like six-cylinder engines that are found in high-end performance and sports cars.

Engines vs. Motors

The terms “engine” and “motor” are often used interchangeably because they have a singular goal – supplying motive force, or converting power into motion.

However, engines and motors accomplish this in very different ways.

As we’ve learned, engines have several moving parts that work together to ignite an air-fuel mixture. This ignition prompts a small explosion that creates thermal energy, later converted into mechanical energy that moves the vehicle.  

Motors also convert power into mechanical energy, but their power source is electricity. For instance, electric vehicles have motors that draw energy from a battery pack instead of a fuel source.

So, the primary difference between engines and motors is that engines use an internal source (fuel), while motors require an external power source (electricity).  

Types of Engines FAQs

How do turbocharged and supercharged engines work?

Turbocharged engines use exhaust gas to spin a turbine, which then compresses the intake air, increasing engine power. Supercharged engines use a belt connected to the engine to drive an air compressor, directly boosting engine power by forcing more air into the combustion chamber.

How do hybrid engines work?

Hybrid vehicles use internal combustion engines and electric motors. The electric motor can assist the gasoline engine or run independently to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, often using energy recovered from braking or coasting.

What types of car engines are the best?

The best type of car engine depends on the driver's priority. Turbocharged engines are known for their performance and fuel efficiency. Supercharged engines offer immediate power. Hybrid engines excel in fuel economy and lower emissions. Different types of engines have their benefits depending on the user's requirements.

Learn About Different Types of Engines at UTI

Students in the Automotive Technology program at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) are taught the fundamentals of car maintenance and repair. This instruction helps prepare students for entry-level roles as automotive technicians.¹

The program can be completed in less than a year and covers a range of industry-relevant topics, including working on different types of car engines in the Introduction to Engines course.⁷ Students also get the opportunity to perform an engine teardown, blueprint and rebuild during the Power & Performance I: Engine Build course.³³

This knowledge can make a big difference when applying for jobs in the industry. Employers are looking to hire qualified individuals with the right training and education.

To learn more, visit our program page and request information to get in touch with an Admissions Representative today.

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