The Most Reliable Engine Ever Built, Ranked

Choose the engine you think is the most reliable!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 17, 2024 07:20
When choosing a vehicle, the reliability of its engine is crucial for ensuring long-term satisfaction and minimizing maintenance costs. By identifying engines known for their enduring performance and dependability, potential buyers can make more informed decisions. This also serves manufacturers as a feedback loop to enhance future designs. This site provides a dynamic ranking of the most reliable engines as voted on by users like you. Your input is valuable as it helps create a comprehensive and continually updated guide that benefits both prospective buyers and automotive enthusiasts. Cast your vote today and see how your favorite engine stacks against the competition.

What Is the Most Reliable Engine Ever Built?

  1. 1
    1
    points
    Rolls-Royce Merlin

    Rolls-Royce Merlin

    A British liquid-cooled V-12 piston aero engine of 27-litres (1,650 cu in) capacity. Renowned for its widespread use in WWII aircraft.
    • Power Output: 1,300 hp initially, later models over 2,000 hp
    • Applications: Spitfire, Hurricane, Lancaster Bomber
  2. 2
    0
    points
    Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major

    Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major

    An American 28-cylinder four-row radial piston aircraft engine designed and built during World War II. It was the largest-displacement aviation piston engine to be mass-produced.
    • Power Output: 3,000-4,300 hp
    • Applications: Boeing B-50, Convair B-36, Hughes H-4 Hercules
  3. 3
    0
    points
    Ford Flathead V8

    Ford Flathead V8

    The first commercially successful V8 engine, introduced by Ford in 1932. Known for its simplicity and robustness.
    • Power Output: 65-125 hp
    • Applications: 1932-1953 Ford models, Hot Rods
  4. 4
    0
    points
    Lycoming O-360

    Lycoming O-360

    A family of four-cylinder, direct-drive, horizontally opposed, air-cooled, piston aircraft engines. Known for its reliability and widespread use in general aviation.
    • Power Output: 145-225 hp
    • Applications: Cessna 172, Piper PA-28, Robinson R22
  5. 5
    0
    points
    Toyota 2JZ-GTE

    Toyota 2JZ-GTE

    A 3.0L twin-turbocharged inline-six engine famous for its durability and tunability in the automotive world.
    • Power Output: 320 hp
    • Applications: Toyota Supra, Lexus IS300, Toyota Aristo
  6. 6
    0
    points
    General Electric GE90

    General Electric GE90

    A family of high-bypass turbofan aircraft engines built by GE Aviation for the Boeing 777, with some variants being the most powerful jet engines in the world.
    • Power Output: Up to 115,300 lbf thrust
    • Applications: Boeing 777
  7. 7
    0
    points
    Honda D Series

    Honda D Series

    An inline-four-cylinder engine family by Honda, known for its simplicity, reliability, and versatility in various applications.
    • Power Output: Varies by model
    • Applications: Honda Civic, Honda CRX, Honda Del Sol
  8. 8
    0
    points
    Cummins B-Series

    Cummins B-Series

    A family of diesel engines popular for their robustness, used in a variety of applications from pickup trucks to industrial equipment.
    • Power Output: Varies by model
    • Applications: Dodge Ram, Freightliner trucks, marine applications
  9. 9
    0
    points
    BMW M57

    BMW M57

    A line of inline six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engines. Known for its durability and performance, it has been used in a wide range of BMW's cars and SUVs.
    • Power Output: Varies by model
    • Applications: BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, X5
  10. 10
    0
    points
    Volkswagen Type 1 (Beetle) Engine

    Volkswagen Type 1 (Beetle) Engine

    An air-cooled flat-four engine that powered the Volkswagen Beetle, known for its simplicity, reliability, and ease of maintenance.
    • Power Output: 25-60 hp
    • Applications: Volkswagen Beetle, Volkswagen Type 2

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable engine ever built. 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

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  • 1 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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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.

Additional Information

More about the Most Reliable Engine Ever Built

Rolls-Royce Merlin
Rank #1 for the most reliable engine ever built: Rolls-Royce Merlin (Source)
Engines power our world. From cars to planes, engines drive progress. Over the years, engineers have aimed to create engines that last. Some engines stand out for their reliability. They run smoothly for years with minimal issues. What makes these engines so reliable?

First, the materials used matter. High-quality metals and alloys ensure durability. These materials resist wear and tear. They can handle high temperatures and pressures. This means the engine parts do not degrade quickly. Engineers choose these materials carefully.

Next, the design plays a key role. Simple designs often work best. Fewer parts mean fewer things can go wrong. Engineers focus on making each part strong and efficient. They avoid adding unnecessary components. This keeps the engine robust and reliable.

Precision in manufacturing is also crucial. Each part must fit perfectly. Small errors can lead to big problems. Advanced machines and techniques help achieve this precision. Quality control checks ensure each engine meets high standards. This reduces the chance of defects.

Maintenance is another factor. Reliable engines are easy to maintain. They have accessible parts and clear instructions. Regular checks and oil changes keep them running well. Some engines even have self-diagnostic systems. These systems alert users to potential issues early.

Testing is a big part of the process. Engineers test engines under extreme conditions. They run them at high speeds and temperatures. They check for weaknesses and make improvements. Only after rigorous testing do they release the engine.

The environment in which the engine operates affects its reliability. Clean fuel and proper ventilation help. Engines last longer when they run in optimal conditions. Dust, dirt, and poor fuel quality can cause damage. Proper care and use extend the engine's life.

Feedback from users is valuable. Manufacturers listen to those who use their engines. They learn from real-world experiences. This feedback helps them improve future designs. It ensures that each new engine is better than the last.

Innovation drives reliability. Engineers constantly seek new ways to improve engines. They use the latest technology and research. This leads to more efficient and durable engines. Innovations in materials, design, and manufacturing all contribute.

The reputation of the manufacturer matters. Companies known for quality tend to produce reliable engines. They invest in research and development. They prioritize customer satisfaction. This commitment to excellence shows in their products.

In summary, the most reliable engines result from a combination of factors. High-quality materials, simple and strong designs, precise manufacturing, and rigorous testing all play a role. Maintenance, user feedback, and innovation further enhance reliability. Companies with a reputation for quality often lead the way. These engines set the standard for performance and durability. They power our world with confidence and dependability.

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