Most car buyers often focus on the brand, style or even the newest technology features of the vehicle. These features certainly matter, but beneath the polished exterior and flashing infotainment screens lies the heart of every vehicle: the engine.

The engine defines how a car moves, how it responds under pressure, and how efficiently it uses fuel. Simply put, the engine determines how well a car performs. Engine refers to what car makers call displacement; the total volume all the engine’s cylinders can push through a mix of fuel and air. This is typically measured in cubic centimeters (cc) or liters. A 1,000 cc engine, for instance, is also called a 1.0-liter engine.

But size alone does not tell the whole story. How it is designed and tuned plays a big part in a car’s power output and overall performance.

Horsepower is one of the most common ways to describe engine strength. It measures how much work the engine can do over time. In practical terms, more horsepower means quicker acceleration and better top-end performance.

That might sound appealing, but there is a trade-off as more horsepower usually requires more fuel. High-performance engines burn more gasoline to maintain power, which often results in lower miles per gallon (MPG). This is why car buyers often weigh performance against fuel economy.

Considering engine design

Compact engines ranging from 1.0 to 1.2 liters are commonly found in city cars and economy models. These engines usually have three or four cylinders and are built for lightness and efficiency. Their smaller size means they consume less fuel and emit fewer pollutants. On paper, they may not appear powerful as it produce only around 60 to 120 horsepower, but modern design techniques such as turbocharging and direct fuel injection help these engines deliver more punch than expected.

Car makers equip these engines with fuel-saving technologies such as start-stop systems and hybrid assistance to meet stricter emission standards without sacrificing much performance. 

Meanwhile, engines between 1.4 and 1.6 liters sit in the middle of the power-efficiency scale. Found in hatchbacks, sedans, and smaller sport utility vehicles (SUVs), these engines typically offer 90 to 150 horsepower, depending on tuning and whether they are turbocharged.

Turbocharging forces extra air into the engine, allowing for stronger combustion. This means more power without increasing engine size. Direct injection improves fuel burn efficiency. When combined, these technologies give drivers the feel of a larger engine while maintaining better MPG.

These engines are often four-cylinder setups but can also come in three- or six-cylinder configurations. They aim to offer a balance between power for highway driving and efficiency for urban traffic. Their torque is typically focused in the mid-range, which allows for smoother acceleration in everyday use. The balanced weight of these engines also improves handling, especially when paired with modern transmissions such as continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) or dual-clutch automatics.

Engines in the 1.8- to 2.0-liter range are designed for higher performance without completely sacrificing fuel economy. These engines usually have four cylinders, although some sportier models may include more. They produce between 120 and over 200 horsepower, making them suitable for compact cars, sedans, and light SUVs.

These engines shine on longer drives. Their torque delivery is often strong in the low to mid-range, allowing for easy overtaking and quick starts from a full stop. They are also refined enough to support a comfortable driving experience at higher speeds.

These engines perform well on longer drives. Their torque delivery is strong in the low to mid-range, allowing for quick starts and easy overtaking. They are also refined enough to support a smooth driving experience at higher speeds.

If a driver needs more strength for towing or carrying heavier loads, a 2.2- to 3.0-liter engine is often the go-to option. These engines typically feature four, six, or even eight cylinders. Vehicles in this category include larger sedans, SUVs, and performance cars. Their power outputs range from 150 to more than 400 horsepower. These engines are known for strong torque delivery, especially in the mid-range RPMs, making them suitable for demanding tasks such as long-distance cruising, pulling trailers, or navigating hilly terrain.

Drivers can also expect quicker acceleration and better response at highway speeds. However, fuel efficiency tends to decrease, although newer engines attempt to offset this with features such as cylinder deactivation and mild hybrid support.

Once engine size exceeds the 3.0-liter mark, the dynamics change significantly. These engines, commonly found in luxury vehicles and high-performance sports cars, often feature six, eight, 10, or even 12 cylinders. Their horsepower typically starts around 250 and can exceed 1,000 in some top-tier models.

With engineering features such as turbocharging, supercharging, and direct fuel injection, these engines deliver high performance, including rapid acceleration and high top speeds. Their torque remains available across a wide RPM range, supporting fast overtakes and smooth highway driving. Fuel efficiency is rarely a priority; instead, these engines emphasize performance, speed, and driving excitement.

After all, the number of cylinders, use of turbochargers, fuel injection systems, and engine tuning affect how much power the car produces and how efficiently it operates. Nowadays, even smaller engines can outperform older and larger ones due to technological advancements; so it is important to consider and evaluate how the vehicle will be used. — Mhicole A. Moral