Understanding Car Engine Sizes: From Cubic Centimeters to Turbocharging

by AutoExpert   |  7 June, 2024

Share :

Hey! Ever found yourself scrаtching your heаd over terms like "2.0-liter" or "cubic centimeters (cc)" when checking out cars? You're definitely not alone. Let's break it down real simple: these terms all refer to the engine size of a car.

But it's not about how big the engine looks from the outside. Instead, it's about the total volume inside the engine’s cylinders—the space where air and fuel mix it up to create the power that spins your wheels. Usually, we round this off to the nearest tenth of a liter. So, when you see something like a 1997cc engine, that's essentially what's rounded up and called a '2.0-liter engine'.

Engine sizes explained - MotoNovo Finance

Engines can have anywhere from two to sixteen cylinders depending on the car, though your everyday rides typically stick between three to eight. More cylinders generally mean a larger engine. For example, a simple three-cylinder engine with 500mL per cylinder measures up to a 1.5-liter engine. Pop another cylinder on there, and voilà, you've got yourself the common 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

Now, onto the big question: Is bigger really better? Traditionally, yes, bigger engines could gulp more air and fuel, pumping out more power and torque. Let’s take the Toyota Corolla with its beefy 2.0-liter engine churning out 126kW versus the smaller Yaris with a modest 88kW from a three-cylinder. Sounds like a clear win for the Corolla, right?

What Engine Size Is My Car? - Ultimate Guide (2024 Update) | Motorway

Not so fast. When it comes to fuel consumption, the Corollа sips 6.0L/100km while the Yaris is more economical at 4.9L/100km. Bigger engines do tend to be thirstier, so "better" really depends on what you value more—power or efficiency?

But there's a twist. If an engine is too small for the car’s weight, it might end up being less efficient because it has to work harder. Consider Mazda’s CX-30, where the 'G20' 2.0-liter barely saves any fuel over the larger 'G25' 2.5-liter engine.

Understanding the True Cost of Keeping Your Mazda CX-30 in Top Shape | Safford Brown Mazda Fairfax

And then there's turbocharging—a game changer that’s shaking up the old "bigger is better" motto. For instance, Skoda’s Fabia rocks a 1.5-liter turbo that might not beat the Corolla in horsepower but offers comparable torque and matches the Yaris for fuel economy. 

Beyond just adding turbos, carmakers like Ferrari, Porsche, and Honda are also mastering the art of squeezing out incredible power from smaller engines. Take Honda’s early S2000 sports cars with the 'F20C' 2.0-liter engine—pumping out an impressive 92kW per liter, right up there with a beastly Porsche 911 GT3 RS.

Honda S2000 - Wikipedia

So, in summary, while engine size once ruled the roost, today’s technology means you can have both power and efficiency without needing a monster motor under the hood. If you’re eyeing used cars, keep this in mind—those old school small engines might be less powerful. But for new cars, thanks to the wonders of modern engineering, it's often more about how smart the engine is, not just how big.

Recomended:

BMW XM Gets An 888-HP Makeover With Manhart's MHXM 900 II Package - Photo
Tuning
BMW XM Gets An 888-HP Makeover With Manhart's MHXM 900 II Package

The BMW XM hasn’t exactly been flying off showroom floors, with just over 7,200 units sold globally last year. This year isn’t shaping up much better—U.S. sales were already down 14.

AutoExpert
America’s SUV Obsession: The Evolution of Big, Bold Rides - Photo
Others
America’s SUV Obsession: The Evolution of Big, Bold Rides

Oh, let’s switch gears and chat more casually about America’s long-standing crush on SUVs! So, picture this: it's not just about their beefy looks or how many groceries you can cram in

AutoExpert
How Much Does It Cost to Charge a Kia EV9? - Photo
Others
How Much Does It Cost to Charge a Kia EV9?

So, you're curious аbout the cost of charging a Kia EV9, right? Well, let us give you the lowdown on this sleek beаst from South Korea. The EV9 is Kia's top-tier, three-row electric SUV that&#

AutoExpert
Is the Tesla Model Y the Perfect Used EV for You? - Photo
Others
Is the Tesla Model Y the Perfect Used EV for You?

So, hаve you been checking out the Tesla Model Y? It’s pretty аwesome and only hit the roаds in 2020, making it the newest kid on the block from Tesla. It’s got more room and sits higher t

AutoExpert
Renault Brings Back The Beast: 5 Turbo 3E Hits Production In 2026 - Photo
Car News
Renault Brings Back The Beast: 5 Turbo 3E Hits Production In 2026

Renault’s 5 Turbo 3E concept is heading to production in 2026, bringing a fresh, all-electric take on the iconic Turbo. It’s designed to deliver incredible performance and tech, makin

AutoExpert
Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius Named ACEA President For 2025 - Photo
Car News
Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius Named ACEA President For 2025

The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) has named Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz, as its president, marking a significant change in the organization's leadership. A

AutoExpert
Subaru Takes The Crown In 2024 Car Reliability Rankings, Outshining Lexus And Toyota - Photo
Car News
Subaru Takes The Crown In 2024 Car Reliability Rankings, Outshining Lexus And Toyota

Consumer Reports just dropped its list of the most reliable car brands for 2024, and Subaru snagged the top spot, beating out Lexus and Toyota. The rankings are based on feedback from actual car owner

AutoExpert
Toyota Unveils The Urban Cruiser, A New Electric SUV For Europe - Photo
Car News
Toyota Unveils The Urban Cruiser, A New Electric SUV For Europe

Toyota has unveiled its latest electric SUV, the Urban Cruiser, which is essentially a rebranded Suzuki e-Vitara, with some subtle tweaks to give it a more distinct Toyota feel. The Urban Cruiser is a

AutoExpert
Subaru Launches STI Sport R-Black Limited Editions For WRX S4 And Levorg - Photo
Car News
Subaru Launches STI Sport R-Black Limited Editions For WRX S4 And Levorg

Subaru has unveiled the STI Sport R-Black Limited editions for the WRX S4 and Levorg in Japan, adding an extra touch of style and exclusivity to the performance sedan and wagon. These new flagship tri

AutoExpert
Electric Godzilla: Nissan Brings The R32 GT-R Into The EV Age - Photo
Car News
Electric Godzilla: Nissan Brings The R32 GT-R Into The EV Age

Nissan has been working on an electric version of the iconic GT-R R32 since March 2023, and it’s finally ready to step into the spotlight. Created by a team of volunteer engineers, this unique E

AutoExpert