Does a larger displacement consume more fuel or does a smaller displacement consume more fuel?
2 Answers
Under the same conditions, a smaller displacement will result in lower fuel consumption. Definition of displacement: Displacement (Swept-volume), a specialized term in hydraulic transmission, refers to the volume of fluid inhaled or discharged per stroke or cycle. Generally, a larger displacement means the engine releases more energy per unit time (i.e., converting chemical energy from fuel into mechanical energy), which translates to better "power performance". Method for calculating fuel consumption: By resetting the mileage data recorded on the vehicle's dashboard, the onboard computer automatically calculates the vehicle's fuel consumption based on the recorded mileage and fuel consumption data.
I've been driving for over a decade, having owned both 2.0L and 1.5L cars. The larger displacement engines are indeed more fuel-consuming, especially in city traffic and during acceleration when fuel consumption spikes noticeably. However, don't assume smaller engines are always more economical—on highways, my small-displacement car actually consumes more fuel than larger cars when revving high. Vehicle weight is another crucial factor; heavy SUVs guzzle more fuel even with smaller engines. Driving habits significantly impact consumption—aggressive throttle inputs make large-displacement engines perform worse. Overall, small-displacement cars are more economical for city driving, while medium-displacement engines strike a better balance for long-distance travel. With advanced technology, many vehicles now feature eco-modes, narrowing the gap, but the general rule remains that larger displacement engines are typically more fuel-intensive.
