The Most Popular Engine for Cars, Ranked

Choose the engine you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 7, 2024 06:36
Choosing the right engine can profoundly impact your driving experience. With numerous options available, pinpointing which engine meets your needs best can be challenging. This is where ranking various engines based on popularity proves incredibly useful, offering clarity and convenience to potential buyers or car enthusiasts. On this site, you have the power to cast your vote and see how your preferences compare with others. Your participation helps paint a clearer picture of public opinion and trends. This live ranking adjusts as new votes are cast, reflecting the latest shifts in favor and popularity of different car engines.

What Is the Most Popular Engine for Cars?

  1. 1
    43
    votes

    Toyota's 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine

    Toyota Motor Corporation
    This engine is known for its reliability and durability, making it a popular choice for Toyota vehicles.
    The Toyota's 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is a highly popular and widely used engine in Toyota vehicles. It offers a balance of performance, efficiency, and reliability, making it suitable for a variety of applications. This engine is known for its smooth operation and refined power delivery.
    • Displacement: 2.0 liters
    • Number of Cylinders: 4
    • Valvetrain: DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft)
    • Fuel Injection: Multi-point EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection)
    • Horsepower: varies based on model and generation
  2. 2
    31
    votes

    Ford's EcoBoost engine

    Ford Motor Company
    Ford's EcoBoost engine is popular for its power and fuel efficiency. It is available in a variety of sizes and is used in many Ford vehicles.
    The Ford's EcoBoost engine is a series of turbocharged, direct-injection gasoline engines designed and developed by Ford Motor Company. It is known for its combination of power, fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions.
    • Displacement: 1.0L - 3.5L
    • Power Output: 123 hp - 450+ hp
    • Torque: 125 lb-ft - 600+ lb-ft
    • Turbocharging: Yes
    • Direct Injection: Yes
  3. 3
    18
    votes

    Honda's 1.5-liter Turbo engine

    Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Honda's 1.5-liter Turbo engine is popular for its power and fuel efficiency. It is used in many Honda vehicles, including the Civic and Accord.
    The Honda's 1.5-liter Turbo engine is a compact and efficient four-cylinder engine designed for use in various Honda vehicles. It is part of Honda's Earth Dreams Technology engine lineup and combines performance with fuel efficiency.
    • Displacement: 1.5 liters
    • Cylinder Configuration: Inline-four
    • Turbocharged: Yes
    • Valvetrain: DOHC
    • Fuel Injection: Direct Injection
  4. 4
    29
    votes

    Chevrolet's LS engine

    General Motors
    Chevrolet's LS engine is popular for its power, reliability, and versatility. It is used in many different Chevrolet vehicles, including the Corvette and Camaro.
    The Chevrolet's LS engine is a series of V8 engines that have become iconic in the automotive industry. Known for their power and reliability, LS engines have been widely used in various Chevrolet and General Motors vehicles, as well as in many custom-built cars and hot rods.
    • Engine Type: V8
    • Displacement: Varies (ranging from 4.8L to 7.0L)
    • Cylinder Configuration: Pushrod OHV
    • Horsepower: Varies (ranging from approximately 250 to 650 horsepower)
    • Torque: Varies (ranging from approximately 350 to 650 lb-ft)
  5. 5
    11
    votes

    Volkswagen's TSI engine

    Volkswagen Group
    Volkswagen's TSI engine is popular for its power and fuel efficiency. It is used in many Volkswagen vehicles, including the Golf and Jetta.
    The Volkswagen's TSI engine is a type of turbocharged gasoline engine that is popularly used in Volkswagen cars. It combines direct fuel injection with turbocharging technology to deliver improved performance and fuel efficiency.
    • Engine Type: Turbocharged gasoline engine
    • Fuel Injection: Direct fuel injection
    • Turbocharging: Equipped with a turbocharger
    • Performance: Enhanced power output and torque
    • Fuel Efficiency: Improved fuel consumption
  6. 6
    9
    votes
    Subaru's BOXER engine is popular for its unique design and performance. It is used in many Subaru vehicles, including the WRX and Outback.
    The Subaru's BOXER engine is a type of horizontally-opposed engine that has been used in Subaru vehicles since the 1960s. It is characterized by its unique design where the pistons face each other in a horizontally-opposed configuration, resembling a boxer's fists. This design offers several advantages such as a lower center of gravity, improved balance, and reduced vibrations compared to traditional inline or V-shaped engines.
    • Configuration: Horizontally-opposed
    • Number of Cylinders: 4 or 6
    • Valvetrain: DOHC or SOHC
    • Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection
    • Aspiration: Naturally aspirated or turbocharged
  7. 7
    10
    votes
    BMW's N55 engine is popular for its power and smooth performance. It is used in many BMW vehicles, including the 3 Series and 5 Series.
    The BMW's N55 engine is a turbocharged inline-six engine that is widely recognized for its performance and efficiency. It is part of BMW's N engine family and was first introduced in 2009.
    • Engine Type: Turbocharged inline-six
    • Displacement: 3.0 L
    • Power Output: 302 horsepower
    • Torque: 295 lb-ft
    • Valvetrain: DOHC
  8. 8
    3
    votes
    Mercedes-Benz's M276 engine is popular for its power and fuel efficiency. It is used in many Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including the C-Class and E-Class.
    The Mercedes-Benz's M276 engine is a V6 gasoline engine commonly used in various Mercedes-Benz models. It was developed by Mercedes-Benz, a German automotive manufacturer known for its luxury vehicles and cutting-edge engine technology. The M276 engine offers a balance of performance and efficiency, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
    • Compression Ratio: Varies (typically around 10.5:1)
    • Engine Type: V6
    • Fuel Type: Gasoline
    • Displacement: 3.5L or 3.0L
    • Power Output: Between 302-402 horsepower
  9. 9
    6
    votes
    Audi's TFSI engine is popular for its power and fuel efficiency. It is used in many Audi vehicles, including the A4 and Q5.
    Audi's TFSI (Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection) engine is a popular and highly regarded engine series used in Audi cars. It is well-known for its combination of power, efficiency, and performance.
    • Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder
    • Turbocharging: Yes
    • Fuel Injection: Direct fuel injection
    • Displacement: Varies depending on specific engine model
    • Power Output: Ranges from 150 to over 400 horsepower
  10. 10
    10
    votes

    Porsche's flat-six engine

    Ferdinand Porsche
    Porsche's flat-six engine is popular for its performance and unique sound. It is used in many Porsche vehicles, including the 911 and Boxster.
    The Porsche's flat-six engine is a horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine commonly used in Porsche sports cars. It is a signature feature of Porsche's engineering and synonymous with their high-performance vehicles.
    • Engine Type: Flat-six
    • Configuration: Horizontally-opposed
    • Displacement: Varies based on model
    • Power Output: Varies based on model
    • Torque Output: Varies based on model

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Ranking factors for popular engine

  1. Reliability
    The engine should have a proven track record of dependability and require minimal repairs over its lifespan. A reliable engine will save the car owner money and stress in the long run.
  2. Power and performance
    The engine should be able to deliver adequate power and acceleration to meet the requirements of the vehicle and its intended usage. This includes considering the engine's horsepower, torque, and overall responsiveness.
  3. Fuel efficiency
    The engine should have good fuel economy, meaning it should be able to travel more miles on less fuel. This is particularly important given the increasing environmental concerns and the cost of fuel.
  4. Emissions
    The engine should produce low levels of harmful emissions and conform to the necessary emission standards in its market. This not only reduces the vehicle's environmental impact but can also affect the vehicle's tax and insurance costs in some countries.
  5. Ease of maintenance
    An ideal engine should be easy to maintain and service, with readily available replacement parts and clear instructions on how to perform basic maintenance tasks.
  6. Noise and vibration
    A good engine should operate smoothly, with minimal noise and vibration levels. Excessive noise and vibration can decrease driving comfort and increase driver fatigue.
  7. Size and weight
    An engine should be appropriately sized and weighted for the vehicle it powers, without taking up excessive space or causing imbalances in the vehicle's performance.
  8. Technology and innovation
    Engines that utilize advanced technologies, such as turbocharging, direct fuel injection, and variable valve timing, can often offer improved performance, fuel efficiency, and emission levels.
  9. Cost and affordability
    The engine should be cost-effective and affordable for car manufacturers and consumers while maintaining performance, reliability, and efficiency.
  10. Compatibility and adaptability
    A popular engine should be versatile and adaptable to various automobile makes and models and easily integrated with other vehicle systems, such as transmission and drivetrain components.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular engine for cars. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or engine is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2253 views
  • 163 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each engine once every 24 hours. The rank of each engine is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular engine for cars

When it comes to powering a car, there are many options available. Gasoline, diesel, electric, and hybrid engines all have their advantages and disadvantages. However, in terms of popularity, gasoline engines remain the most commonly used engine type in cars around the world. Gasoline engines work by mixing air and fuel in the combustion chamber to create a controlled explosion, which powers the car. They are relatively inexpensive to manufacture and maintain, and are widely available. In addition, they offer good acceleration and speed, making them a popular choice for sports cars and high-performance vehicles. While diesel engines have gained popularity in recent years due to their fuel efficiency, they are still less commonly used than gasoline engines. Electric and hybrid engines are also becoming increasingly popular, particularly in response to concerns about climate change and the environment. However, they still face challenges such as limited range and high upfront costs. Overall, while there are many engine options available, gasoline engines remain the most popular choice for powering cars around the world.

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