Is an Engine the Same as a Motor?

[DiEvan]

An engine is not the same as a motor. A motor is a comprehensive system, while an engine is a component within this system. An engine is the core part of a motor, which is why it is often used interchangeably with the term "motor." The main component of an engine is the cylinder, which serves as the power source for the entire vehicle. A cylinder includes the cylinder block, intake port, fuel injection port, exhaust port, piston, and spark plug (for gasoline engines). The cylinder injects gasoline and air through the intake port and fuel injection port, thoroughly mixing them inside. When the spark plug ignites the mixture, it combusts violently, pushing the piston downward and generating power. Simultaneously, the immense pressure from the combustion opens the one-way valve's exhaust port to expel waste gases. Subsequently, the residual exhaust gases inside the cylinder gradually cool, reducing the pressure, and the external atmospheric pressure pushes the piston upward to prepare for the next combustion cycle. This is the basic principle. Engines can be classified as follows: By fuel type: diesel engines, gasoline engines, natural gas engines, and hybrid engines. By cycle strokes: two-stroke engines and four-stroke engines, both of which can operate on various fuels (including gasoline, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas). By cooling method: water-cooled engines and air-cooled engines. By ignition method: compression-ignition engines and spark-ignition engines. By mixture formation method: engines with external mixture formation and engines with internal mixture formation. By intake method: naturally aspirated engines and turbocharged engines. By number of cylinders: single-cylinder engines and multi-cylinder engines. By cylinder arrangement: inline engines, V-type engines, and horizontally opposed engines. Other arrangements include X-type, W-type, and radial engines, which are commonly used in propeller-driven aircraft.