Cars with Best Engine: A Blend of Power, Reliability, and Innovation

When it comes to cars, the engine is like the heart. A powerful and reliable engine can make all the difference in your driving experience. In this article, we’ll explore the cars with the best engines, merging information from past award winners, reliable classics, and modern powerhouses.

1. Award-Winning Engines from 1999 to 2018

The International Engine of the Year Awards celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2018. Over the years, many engines have stood out for their innovation, performance, and reliability.

• Fiat 875cc TwinAir/BMW 4.4-litre Valvetronic/Honda 1.0-litre IMA: These engines share the 10th place, highlighting their unique contributions to the automotive world.
• Toyota 1.0-litre: Known for its efficiency, this engine powered the Yaris back in 1999.
• Mazda Renesis Rotary: The 1.3-litre Wankel rotary engine from the RX-8 produced over 200bhp.
• BMW 3.0-litre twin-turbo: Winning in 2007 and 2008, this engine was notable for its power and smooth performance.
• Toyota 1.5-litre Hybrid Synergy Drive: Found in the Prius, this hybrid engine is known for its eco-friendly performance.
• Volkswagen 1.4-litre TSI twin-charger: This supercharged and turbocharged engine was used in the Polo GTI.
• BMW M 3.2-litre straight-six: Renowned for its performance in the E46 BMW M3.
• Ford 1.0-litre EcoBoost: Known for its efficiency and fun driving experience in the Fiesta and Focus.
• Ferrari 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8: This engine powers many of Ferrari’s V8-engined cars and won multiple awards for its exceptional performance.

2. Reliable Engines That Stand the Test of Time

Reliability is crucial for many car owners. Here are some engines known for their durability and longevity.

• Toyota 1JZ/2JZ: These inline-six engines are legendary for their reliability and performance. The 2JZ, found in the Toyota Supra, is particularly famous for handling high horsepower without modifications.
• Honda K-Series: These engines, ranging from 2.0 to 2.4 liters, are known for their reliability and performance. They are popular in various Honda models and as engine swaps.
• GM LS V8: This family of V8 engines has been used in everything from trucks to sports cars, known for their reliability and easy maintenance.
• Toyota UZ-FE: Used in luxury sedans and SUVs, this V8 engine is known for its smooth performance and reliability.
• BMW M50: A durable inline-six engine that served as the foundation for many of BMW’s future engines.

3. Modern Marvels: The Best Engines Today

Modern engines combine performance with efficiency. Here are some of the best engines you can buy today.

• Audi Turbocharged 2.5-liter Inline-Five: Found in the Audi RS3, this engine produces 401 horsepower and offers a unique sound.
• Chevrolet 5.5-liter V-8: This flat-plane crank V-8 powers the Corvette Z06, producing 670 horsepower.
• Ferrari Twin-Turbocharged V-8: Used in models like the F8 and SF90, this engine offers exceptional power and a thrilling driving experience.
• Ferrari 6.5-liter V-12: Known for its smooth and powerful performance, this engine is found in models like the 812 and Purosangue.
• Ford Supercharged 5.2-liter V-8: Found in the F-150 Raptor R, this engine offers robust power and performance.

4. Toyota’s Reliable Legacy

Toyota has a strong reputation for building reliable engines. Their engines are known for their longevity and minimal maintenance requirements.

• Toyota 1.6-liter Inline-Three: Used in the GR Corolla, this turbocharged engine is known for its efficiency and power.
• Toyota 2GR: This 3.5-liter V6 engine is used in many Toyota and Lexus models, known for its reliability and performance.

5. Performance Giants: BMW and Mercedes-Benz

BMW and Mercedes-Benz have consistently produced engines that balance performance and reliability.

• BMW 3.0-liter twin-turbo: This engine has won multiple awards and is known for its smooth power delivery.
• Mercedes-Benz OM617: A reliable diesel engine known for its longevity, often seen in older Mercedes taxis.

6. American Muscle: GM LS V8 and Ford 300 Straight-6

American automakers have a history of building robust and reliable engines.

• GM LS V8: Used in a variety of vehicles, this engine is known for its reliability and ease of maintenance.
• Ford 300 Straight-6: Known for its durability, this engine was used in trucks and heavy-duty vehicles.

7. Innovative Engineering: Honda and Mazda

Honda and Mazda are known for their innovative engine designs that offer both performance and reliability.

• Honda K-Series: A versatile engine known for its reliability and performance, used in many Honda models.
• Mazda Renesis Rotary: A unique rotary engine known for its performance in the RX-8.

8. European Excellence: Volkswagen and Porsche

European automakers like Volkswagen and Porsche are known for their engineering excellence.

• Volkswagen 1.4-litre TSI twin-charger: Known for its performance in the Polo GTI.
• Porsche 4.0-liter Flat-6: Used in models like the 718 Cayman and 911 GT3, known for its high-revving performance.

9. Luxury and Performance: Maserati and Lamborghini

Luxury automakers like Maserati and Lamborghini produce engines that offer both performance and a unique driving experience.

• Maserati Twin-Turbo 3.8-liter V-8: Known for its smooth power delivery and rich sound.
• Lamborghini 6.5-liter V-12: A high-performance engine known for its aggressive sound and thrilling performance.

10. Legendary Toyota Engines: The 1JZ and 2JZ

When discussing cars with the best engines, Toyota’s 1JZ and 2JZ engines are legendary. These engines are renowned for their durability and performance.

• 1JZ Engine: This 2.5-liter inline-six engine is known for its strong performance and reliability. It’s often found in Toyota sports cars and has a solid reputation for being able to handle high horsepower without modifications.
• 2JZ Engine: The 3.0-liter version of the JZ family, the 2JZ, is famous for its robustness. Found in the Toyota Supra, it’s known for easily managing up to 1000 horsepower with stock internals.

11. Durable and Reliable Honda Engines: The K-Series

Honda’s K-Series engines are well-known for their reliability and efficiency. These engines have been a popular choice for many years due to their engineering excellence.

• K20 Engine: This 2.0-liter engine is known for its high-revving nature and performance. It’s commonly found in sporty models like the Civic Type R.
• K24 Engine: The 2.4-liter version is slightly larger and offers more torque, making it a favorite among tuners and racers.

12. American Powerhouses: GM LS V8 and Ford 300 Straight-6

American engines have a reputation for power and reliability. The GM LS V8 and Ford 300 Straight-6 are perfect examples.

• GM LS V8: This engine family ranges from 4.8 to 7.4 liters and is used in many vehicles, from trucks to sports cars. It’s known for its reliability and ease of modification.
• Ford 300 Straight-6: This engine is famous for its durability and was used in trucks and heavy-duty applications. It’s known to last for hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal maintenance.

13. Modern Performance Marvels: Ferrari and Lamborghini

When it comes to high-performance engines, Ferrari and Lamborghini are at the forefront. Their engines offer incredible power and an unforgettable driving experience.

• Ferrari 3.9-liter Twin-Turbo V8: Found in models like the F8 and SF90, this engine is known for its incredible power and exhilarating performance.
• Lamborghini 6.5-liter V12: This engine powers models like the Aventador and is known for its aggressive sound and high performance.

14. Innovative European Engines: Porsche and Volkswagen

European automakers are known for their engineering excellence, and Porsche and Volkswagen are no exception.

• Porsche 4.0-liter Flat-6: Used in models like the 718 Cayman and 911 GT3, this engine is known for its high-revving performance and reliability.
• Volkswagen 1.4-liter TSI Twin-Charger: Known for its performance in the Polo GTI, this engine combines a supercharger and a turbocharger for impressive power delivery.

15. Luxury and Performance: Maserati and Mercedes-Benz

Luxury brands like Maserati and Mercedes-Benz produce engines that offer both performance and a refined driving experience.

• Maserati Twin-Turbo 3.8-liter V8: This engine is known for its smooth power delivery and rich sound, used in models like the Quattroporte.
• Mercedes-Benz OM617: This diesel engine is famous for its durability, often found in older Mercedes taxis that have covered hundreds of thousands of miles.

16. Unique and Reliable: Mazda and Audi

Mazda and Audi are known for their unique engine designs that offer both reliability and performance.

• Mazda Renesis Rotary: This rotary engine is known for its performance in the RX-8, providing a unique driving experience with its high-revving nature.
• Audi Turbocharged 2.5-liter Inline-Five: Found in the Audi RS3, this engine offers a unique sound and impressive performance.

17. Versatile Toyota Engines: The 2GR and 1.6-liter Turbo

Toyota continues to produce reliable and versatile engines that power a wide range of vehicles.

• Toyota 2GR: This 3.5-liter V6 engine is used in many Toyota and Lexus models, known for its reliability and performance.
• Toyota Turbocharged 1.6-liter Inline-Three: Used in the GR Corolla, this engine combines efficiency with impressive power output.

Table: Summary of Best Engines

Here is a table summarizing the best engines mentioned in the article:

Engine	Manufacturer	Model/Vehicle	Key Features
875cc TwinAir	Fiat	Various	Efficient, compact
4.4-litre Valvetronic	BMW	Various	Powerful, innovative
1.0-litre IMA	Honda	Insight	Hybrid, efficient
1.0-litre	Toyota	Yaris	Efficient, reliable
1.3-litre Renesis Rotary	Mazda	RX-8	High-revving, unique rotary design
3.0-litre twin-turbo	BMW	335i Coupe	Powerful, smooth
1.5-litre Hybrid Synergy Drive	Toyota	Prius	Hybrid, eco-friendly
1.4-litre TSI twin-charger	Volkswagen	Polo GTI	Supercharged and turbocharged
3.2-litre straight-six	BMW	E46 M3	High-performance, smooth
1.0-litre EcoBoost	Ford	Fiesta, Focus	Efficient, fun to drive
3.9-litre twin-turbo V8	Ferrari	F8, SF90	High-performance, award-winning
1JZ/2JZ Inline-six	Toyota	Supra, various	Durable, high-performance
K-Series (K20, K24)	Honda	Civic Type R, various	Reliable, high-revving
LS V8	GM	Silverado, Camaro, various	Reliable, easy to maintain
UZ-FE V8	Toyota	Lexus LS, Land Cruiser	Smooth, reliable
M50 Inline-six	BMW	E34 5 Series, various	Durable, performance-oriented
2.5-liter Inline-Five Turbo	Audi	RS3	Unique sound, high power
5.5-liter V8	Chevrolet	Corvette Z06	High-revving, flat-plane crank
6.5-liter V12	Ferrari	812, Purosangue	High-revving, powerful
5.2-liter V8 Supercharged	Ford	F-150 Raptor R	Robust, high-performance
4.0-liter Flat-6	Porsche	718 Cayman, 911 GT3	High-revving, motorsport heritage
3.8-liter V8 Twin-Turbo	Maserati	Quattroporte, Ghibli	Smooth, powerful
OM617 Diesel	Mercedes-Benz	Various (older models)	Extremely durable
300 Straight-6	Ford	Trucks, heavy-duty	Indestructible
Renesis Rotary	Mazda	RX-8	Unique rotary, high-revving
2GR 3.5-liter V6	Toyota	Various	Reliable, versatile
1.6-liter Turbo Inline-Three	Toyota	GR Corolla	Efficient, powerful

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of automotive engines is diverse and fascinating. From the legendary reliability of Toyota’s 1JZ and 2JZ engines to the modern performance marvels from Ferrari and Lamborghini, there are many engines that stand out. Whether you’re looking for durability, performance, or a unique driving experience, these engines offer something special.

Cars with the best engine are not just about raw power; they also represent the pinnacle of engineering and innovation. As we look to the future, it’s exciting to see how these engines will continue to evolve, offering even better performance and efficiency.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast or someone looking for a reliable daily driver, understanding these engines can help you make an informed decision. So next time you’re looking for a car, remember to consider the heart of the vehicle – its engine.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of some of the best engines ever made, combining insights from award winners, reliable classics, and modern marvels. We hope you found this guide informative and easy to read.

Read also: Cars with HEMI Engine: The Power Behind the Legend