Differences Between Transverse and Longitudinal Engine Layouts
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The differences between transverse and longitudinal engine layouts are as follows: 1. Different placement directions: A transverse engine is placed horizontally, requiring the transmission to be placed horizontally alongside it; a longitudinal engine is placed vertically, with the transmission located behind the engine. 2. Different power output directions: The power transmission direction of a transverse engine is typically perpendicular to the car's forward direction; the power transmission direction of a longitudinal engine is usually parallel to the car's forward direction. 3. Different drivetrain configurations: Transverse engines are used in front-wheel-drive vehicles; longitudinal engines are used in rear-wheel-drive vehicles. 4. Different suspension systems: Transverse engines use MacPherson strut suspensions; longitudinal engines use multi-link or double-wishbone suspensions.
I often discuss this with my mechanic friends. Transverse-mounted engines are parallel to the axles, fitting tightly into the engine bay, leaving limited space for the steering wheels, which can only turn partially. The advantage of this design is a shorter engine compartment, freeing up more legroom in the front row. However, most front-wheel-drive cars use this layout, making understeer particularly noticeable. Longitudinal placement is quite different. The engine and driveshaft form a straight line, providing more power to the rear wheels and enabling more complex transfer cases. This setup is especially favored by rear-wheel-drive luxury cars or full-time four-wheel-drive off-road vehicles. However, longitudinal engines take up too much space, often causing a significant hump in the rear floor. Additionally, repairing them requires removing the center console and instrument panel to access the clutch, which is quite a hassle.