Piston Banks

[Snake Vargas]

I suppose each type of engine layout has its own benefits, so I'm not such a fan over any other. Inline engines can be smooth (well, inline 4 engines sometimes aren't), boxer engines have all the benefits as Martin said , the V layout is good for space efficiency and reasonably simple construction, the W layout is more space efficient WRT (with respect to) number of cylinders and therefore swept capacity, but it does restrict the angle of the banks and also makes the block somewhat complex to engineer, and rotary engines are small and do have a low centre of gravity like the boxer engines.

I suppose I'm a fan of the boxer for the reason of engineering elegance - use the engine's own reciprocating mass to cancel out vibrations, and on the same plane so that it is most effective. That's just smart. Low centre of gravity etc. are just icing on the cake.

That said, I can understand why not many cars use the engine. It does make packaging difficult. So, my "everyman's choice" would be the V-layout. Compact and simple, efficient space WRT capacity.

 

[Matt]

Don't boxer engines tend to be heavier than regular engines? Oh yeah and people seem to forget that Rotary engines work off gaining momentum, which means they have a huge amount of horsepower per litre. Boxers also take up alot of horizontal room. Am I off. If so please correct...

I SAW MY FIRST M5 today......... They just got to America so it was a big deal for me.

 

[Snake Vargas]

I suppose the boxer engines might be a bit heavier. The way the cylinders are laid out means that you need more metal in the block to house them - in most other layouts, cylinders share cylinder wall/engine block material a bit more readily.

Not sure about rotaries though. The fuel consumption isn't great, and the seals between rotors and the engine wall has been a sore point in the past. Oil consumption can be high as well.

 

[martinbo]

Typically Boxer engines are lighter than their inline and V counterparts. The are inherently more rigid and thus require less metal for structural strength. I'm not absolutely certain about Porsche but I'm 99% of the understanding that all modern Boxer engines are made from aluminium alloy. Which makes them lighter still.

 

[Centurion]

I have voted for the boxter einge and Martin explained it all . On top of that the sound of a porsche is breath taking. I have heard the sound of a Murceilago and a 911 GT2, and in my ear the sound of the lambo was no way as sweet as the soung of the Porsche.