TYPES OF ENGINE

Engines are classified according to several factors, including fuel type, ignition mechanism, design, and purpose. Here is a breakdown of the major types of engines:

BASED ON FUEL TYPE

a. Petrol (Gasoline) Engine

• How It Works: Air and fuel mix enters the combustion chamber and is ignited by a spark plug.
• Key Features:

Ø  High RPM capability.

Ø  Lightweight and compact design.

Ø  Lower torque at low speeds compared to diesel engines.

• Applications: Passenger cars, motorcycles, sports cars.
• Example Vehicles: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla.

 

b. Diesel Engine

• How It Works: Air is compressed to high pressure and temperature, and fuel is injected into the chamber, causing combustion.
• Key Features:

Ø  Higher fuel efficiency.

Ø  Greater torque at lower RPM.

Ø  Heavier and noisier than petrol engines.

• Applications: Trucks, buses, SUVs, and heavy machinery.
• Example Vehicles: Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger.

 

c. Electric Motor (Engine)

• How It Works: Powered by electricity stored in batteries; electric current drives the motor.
• Key Features:

Ø  Zero emissions.

Ø  Instant torque delivery.

Ø  Quiet operation and low maintenance.

• Applications: Fully electric vehicles (EVs).
• Example Vehicles: Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf. 

d. Hybrid Engine

• How It Works: Combines an internal combustion engine (petrol/diesel) with an electric motor.
• Key Features:

Ø  Improved fuel efficiency.

Ø  Reduced emissions compared to conventional ICE vehicles.

Ø  The regenerative braking system charges the battery.

• Applications: Eco-friendly cars.
• Example Vehicles: Toyota Prius.

BASED ON DESIGN AND CONFIGURATION

a. Inline Engine

• Design: Cylinders arranged in a straight line.
• Key Features:

Ø  Simple design with fewer moving parts.

Ø  Compact and cost-effective.

• Applications: Compact cars, motorcycles.
• Example: BMW 3 Series (Inline-4), Yamaha R15 (Single-cylinder).

 

b. V-Type Engine

• Design: Cylinders arranged in a V-shape.
• Key Features:

Ø  Produces more power for the same displacement.

Ø  Compact design for high-performance vehicles.

• Applications: Sports cars, luxury cars.
• Example: Ferrari 458 (V8), Mercedes-Benz S-Class (V6).

 

c. Boxer (Flat) Engine

• Design: Cylinders lie flat, opposing each other.
• Key Features:

Ø  A lower center of gravity improves stability.

Ø  Reduced vibrations.

• Applications: Sports cars, off-road vehicles.
• Example: Subaru Impreza, Porsche 911.

 

d. Rotary (Wankel) Engine

• Design: Triangular rotor rotates within a housing.
• Key Features:

Ø  High power-to-weight ratio.

Ø  Smooth operation but less fuel-efficient.

• Applications: Sports cars, some aircraft.
• Example: Mazda RX-7, RX-8.

BASED ON THE NUMBER OF STROKES

a. Two-Stroke Engine

• How It Works: Completes a power cycle in two piston strokes.
• Key Features:

Ø  Lightweight and simple.

Ø  High power output for its size but less fuel-efficient.

• Applications: Motorcycles, scooters, chainsaws.
• Example: Yamaha RX100.

 

b. Four-Stroke Engine

• How It Works: Completes a power cycle in four strokes.
• Key Features:

Ø  More fuel-efficient.

Ø  Longer lifespan and cleaner emissions.

• Applications: Cars, large motorcycles.
• Example: Honda Accord, Yamaha R1.

Types of Engine