No, the vast majority of modern cars do not have carburetors. Since the 1980s and 1990s, carburetors have been almost entirely replaced by Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) systems. This shift was driven by stricter emissions regulations and the demand for better fuel efficiency and engine performance. An EFI system uses a computer to precisely meter the correct amount of fuel into the engine, which is far more accurate than a carburetor's mechanical method.
The core difference lies in control. A carburetor relies on vacuum pressure created by the engine to draw in fuel—a purely mechanical process that can't adapt perfectly to changing conditions. EFI, however, uses a network of sensors to monitor factors like air temperature, engine load, and oxygen levels in the exhaust. The engine control unit (ECU) processes this data and commands the fuel injectors to spray a fine, atomized mist of fuel directly into the intake manifold or cylinders. This results in more complete combustion.
Here’s a quick comparison of the key differences:
| Feature | Carburetor | Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) |
|---|
| Fuel Metering | Mechanical, based on vacuum | Electronic, controlled by a computer (ECU) |
| Fuel Efficiency | Less efficient, prone to wasting fuel | Significantly more efficient |
| Emissions | Higher, struggles to meet modern standards | Lower, precisely controls emissions |
| Cold Starts | Often requires manual choking | Automatic and smooth |
| Reliability | Prone to icing and vapor lock; requires regular tuning | Highly reliable with minimal maintenance |
| Performance | Less responsive throttle response | Immediate and precise power delivery |
You'll only find carburetors on classic cars (typically pre-1990), some small engines like those in lawnmowers, and certain specialized motorsport applications. For any car built in the last 30+ years, you can be confident it uses a sophisticated fuel injection system.
