Over the years, automotive technology has undergone steady change. The engine is always the component of a freshly released car that garners the most interest and attention.
Auto enthusiasts would frequently debate and discuss the new engine’s torque rating, horsepower, speed, and other characteristics. Its weight doesn’t appear to matter, though.
Whether you want to replace the motor in your car or you’re just curious, you might be wondering how much a car engine weighs. It’s tough to assert that all engines weigh the same amount because there are so many different types of engines on the road.
Well, in this article, you’ll get to know how much a car engine weighs.
What are the factors affecting how much a car engine weighs?
There are certainly different factors affecting how much a car engine weighs, including:
Size:
The motor’s size will have the greatest impact on its weight. The number of cylinders of an automobile engine has determined its class. Under the hood of the majority of passenger cars is a four-cylinder engine.
Though six- or eight-cylinder engines, many of which are grouped in a V-shape layout, will be standard on larger cars. The weight increases along with each additional cylinder.
Model Year:
The engine’s model year has an effect on weight as well. The likelihood of improvements increases with engine age. In some circumstances, these innovations can make the weight lighter.
However, because more equipment is required as a result of new technology, the weight may also increase.
Material:
The construction material is another factor that affects weight. Compared to an aluminum-made motor, a cast iron engine will be heavier.
An older engine might be constructed of cast iron and hence weigh more than an engine found in a more recent model made of aluminum. Because of this, several car models lose weight as they age.
Displacement:
The weight will also depend on engine displacement. For instance, due to the lesser displacement, the GM 215 cubic inch engine weighs around 175 pounds less than the LS1 346 cubic inch engine.
You can anticipate a heavier engine if the cylinder holes are larger and the pistons have to travel a greater distance. This justification suggests that a huge four-cylinder engine might weigh more than a small six-cylinder engine.
How much does a car engine weigh?
Most large engines, such as V8s, weigh between 400 and 700 pounds, whereas a smaller V6 engine typically weighs between 300 and 450 pounds.
The average automotive engine weighs between 300 and 700 pounds (140 to 320 kg). Diesel engines, on the other hand, can weigh more than 700 pounds.
The weight of an engine can vary greatly depending on the type and size of the vehicle. Here is a general range for different types of engines:
Compact Cars
Compact cars typically have smaller engines ranging from 1.0 to 2.0 liters, with an average weight of around 300-400 pounds.
Sedans
Sedans usually have slightly larger engines compared to compact cars, ranging from 1.5 to 3.0 liters, with an average weight of 400-600 pounds.
SUVs and Trucks
SUVs and trucks have larger engines designed for more heavy-duty tasks. Their engine sizes can range from 2.5 to 6.0 liters, with an average weight of 500-800 pounds.
Sports Cars
Sports cars often have high-powered engines, with sizes ranging from 3.0 to 8.0 liters and an average weight of 600-900 pounds.
Electric Vehicles
As mentioned earlier, electric motors are generally lighter than ICEs. The weight of an electric motor can range from 100-300 pounds, depending on the size and power output.
Average Engine Weights by Type of Vehicle
The weight of a car engine can vary significantly depending on the type of vehicle. Here are some average engine weights for different types of vehicles:
- Sedans: 300-600 pounds (136-272 kg)
- SUVs: 500-800 pounds (227-363 kg)
- Trucks: 600-1000 pounds (272-454 kg)
- Sports Cars: 600-900 pounds (272-408 kg)
- Electric Vehicles: 100-300 pounds (45-136 kg)
It’s important to keep in mind that these weights are just averages and can vary depending on various factors, such as the engine size and other components.
Will the engine weight affect its performance?
The performance of a vehicle is not truly determined in absolute terms by engine weight. An improved performance estimator is the power-to-weight ratio.
However, lighter engines have a marginally better impact on performance. Vehicles that are lighter typically handle better and use less fuel.
So it shouldn’t be surprising that automakers are choosing lightweight materials for engine construction. Jaguar, for instance, favors the use of aluminum, whereas BMW is very interested in the manufacturing of carbon fiber.