The Most Reliable Motor, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the motor you think is the most reliable!

Updated on May 10, 2024 06:57

Choosing a dependable motor is a critical decision for enthusiasts and professionals alike. A reliable motor ensures efficiency, longevity, and consistent performance, which are crucial factors in applications ranging from everyday vehicles to specialized machinery. This site offers a curated list where the reliability of various motors is evaluated based on user ratings. Every vote cast on this site directly influences the live rankings of motors, providing a dynamic guide to the most dependable motors available. By participating, users contribute to a comprehensive resource that benefits the entire community seeking quality and performance. Your experience and opinion can guide others in making informed decisions about which motor best suits their needs.

What Is the Most Reliable Motor?

1

26
votes
Toyota 2.2L 5S-FE

Toyota

This engine is known for its reliability, durability, and fuel efficiency. It was produced from 1987 to 2001 and was used in various Toyota models.
The Toyota 2.2L 5S-FE is a four-cylinder, 2.2-liter gasoline engine commonly used in various Toyota models. It is a reliable and fuel-efficient motor known for its durability and smooth performance.

Engine Type: Four-Cylinder Gasoline Engine

Displacement: 2.2 liters

Valvetrain: DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft)

Power Output: 130 horsepower

Torque: 147 lb-ft
2

12
votes
Honda B-Series

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

The B-Series engines are known for their reliability, power, and versatility. They were used in various Honda models from 1989 to 2001.
The Honda B-Series is a family of inline four-cylinder engines commonly used in Honda and Acura vehicles. It is known for its reliability, performance, and versatility, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts and tuners.

Engine Type: Inline four-cylinder

Displacement: Various, ranging from 1.6L to 2.0L

Valvetrain: DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft)

VTEC System: Available on certain models for improved power and efficiency

Power Output: Varies across different engine models and configurations
3

17
votes
Subaru Boxer

Subaru

The Boxer engine is known for its unique design, low center of gravity, and durability. It is used in various Subaru models.
The Subaru Boxer is a horizontally-opposed engine configuration produced by Subaru. It is known for its unique design that provides several advantages in terms of performance, balance, and compactness.

Configuration: Horizontally-opposed

Cylinders: 2, 4, or 6

Balance: Superior balance and low center of gravity

Smoothness: Reduced vibration

Power Delivery: Linear power delivery
4

21
votes
Mazda rotary engine

Felix Wankel

The rotary engine is known for its high-revving power, durability, and smoothness. It was used in various Mazda models from 1965 to 2012.
The Mazda rotary engine, also known as the Wankel engine, is a unique type of internal combustion engine. Unlike conventional piston engines, the rotary engine uses a rotor instead of pistons to generate power. The rotary engine offers a compact size, high power-to-weight ratio, and smooth operation.

Engine type: Rotary engine

Number of rotors: 2 or 3

Displacement: 1.3 liters (for popular Mazda RX models)

Power output: Varies by model, typically between 100-300 horsepower

Rev limit: Usually around 7,500-9,000 RPM
5

16
votes
Mercedes-Benz OM617

Mercedes-Benz

This diesel engine is known for its reliability, durability, and fuel efficiency. It was produced from 1974 to 1985 and was used in various Mercedes-Benz models.
The Mercedes-Benz OM617 is a highly regarded diesel engine known for its reliability and longevity. It was introduced by Mercedes-Benz in 1974 and remained in production until 1985. The engine was primarily used in the W123 and W126 series vehicles.

Engine Type: Inline 5-cylinder diesel engine

Displacement: 3.0 liters

Compression Ratio: 21:1

Power Output: 80 to 125 horsepower

Torque: 157 to 184 lb-ft
Mercedes-Benz OM617 in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most reliable Mercedes-Benz engine
- Position 2 of 10 in Most reliable diesel engine ever made
6

17
votes
Herranderssvensson · CC BY-SA 3.0

Volvo Redblock

Volvo Cars

The Redblock engine is known for its reliability, durability, and smoothness. It was used in various Volvo models from 1974 to 1998.
The Volvo Redblock is an engine series developed by Volvo Cars. It consists of a range of inline four-cylinder gasoline engines known for their durability and reliability.

Engine Type: Inline four-cylinder

Fuel Type: Gasoline

Displacement: 1.6L - 2.5L

Valvetrain: SOHC or DOHC

Power Output: 90hp - 240hp
7

7
votes
BMW M50

The M50 engine is known for its reliability, power, and smoothness. It was used in various BMW models from 1990 to 1996.
The BMW M50 is a renowned inline-six engine that was introduced by BMW in 1989. It is a part of the BMW M50 family of engines and is highly regarded for its reliability and performance. The M50 engine has been used in various BMW models, including the E34 5 Series, E36 3 Series, and E39 5 Series.

Displacement: 2.5L

Configuration: Inline-six

Valvetrain: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic

Power Output: 190 hp
8

11
votes
JOHN LLOYD from Concrete, Washington, United States · CC BY 2.0

Chevrolet Small-Block

The Small-Block engine is known for its reliability, durability, and power. It was produced from 1955 to present and was used in various Chevrolet models.
The Chevrolet Small-Block is a highly renowned and reliable V8 engine that has been produced by General Motors since 1955. It has gained a reputation for its durability, power, and versatility, making it one of the most successful engine designs in automotive history.

Displacement: Various, ranging from 262 cubic inches (4.3L) to 454 cubic inches (7.4L)

Cylinder Configuration: V8 (eight cylinders arranged in a V shape)

Block Material: Cast iron (early models) or aluminum (later models)

Valvetrain: Overhead valve (OHV)

Fuel Delivery: Carbureted (early models) or fuel-injected (later models)
9

2
votes
Ford Windsor

Ford Motor Company

The Windsor engine is known for its reliability, durability, and power. It was used in various Ford models from 1962 to 2001.
The Ford Windsor is a series of V8 engines produced by the Ford Motor Company. It was first introduced in 1961 and became one of the most iconic engine families in Ford's history. The Windsor engines were known for their reliability, performance, and versatility, making them a popular choice among car enthusiasts and racers alike.

Engine type: V8

Displacement: Various sizes ranging from 221 cu in (3.6 L) to 351 cu in (5.8 L)

Block material: Cast iron

Head material: Cast iron or aluminum (depending on the model and year)

Valvetrain: Overhead valves (OHV)
10

11
votes
Nissan RB26

Nissan

The RB26 engine is known for its reliability, power, and performance. It was used in various Nissan models from 1989 to 2002.
The Nissan RB26 is a highly revered and acclaimed inline-six twin-turbocharged engine, designed by Nissan. It is widely regarded as one of the most reliable motors ever produced in the automotive industry, noted for its robustness and performance capabilities.

Displacement: 2.6L

Configuration: Inline-six

Turbocharging: Twin-turbocharged

Valvetrain: DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts)

Power Output: 280 horsepower

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Discussion

Ranking factors for reliable motor

Quality of materials

The quality of the materials used in the motor construction can greatly affect its reliability. High-quality materials are less likely to fail or break down.
Design and construction

The design and construction of the motor should be sturdy and well-made to withstand wear and tear over time.
Maintenance requirements

A motor that requires minimal maintenance is generally more reliable as there is less chance for parts to wear out or fail.
Manufacturer reputation

The reputation of the manufacturer is also important as a reliable manufacturer is more likely to produce a reliable motor.
Performance under stress

The motor's performance under stress is another important factor to consider as motors that can handle heavy loads without difficulty are generally more reliable.
Warranty and support

The warranty and support provided by the manufacturer can also impact the reliability of the motor. A good warranty and strong support can provide peace of mind and ensure that any issues are addressed quickly and effectively.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable motor. 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

1418 views
139 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 reliable motor

When it comes to choosing a reliable motor, there are a few key factors to consider. One of the most important is the motor's build quality, including the materials used and the manufacturing process. A well-made motor is less likely to fail or break down prematurely, which can save you time and money in the long run. Another important factor is the motor's power and efficiency. A motor that is too weak for the task at hand will struggle to keep up, while a motor that is too powerful may be more expensive to run and maintain. Look for a motor with a good balance of power and efficiency to get the best performance and value. Finally, it's important to choose a motor from a reputable manufacturer with a proven track record of quality and reliability. Do your research and read reviews from other users to ensure that you're getting a motor that will meet your needs and last for years to come.