What Does Displacement Mean?

[McKathryn]

Displacement refers to the volume of fluid inhaled or expelled per stroke or cycle. Generally, a larger displacement means the engine releases more energy (converting chemical energy from fuel into mechanical energy) per unit of time, resulting in better "power performance." The working volume that the piston moves from the top dead center to the bottom dead center is called the cylinder displacement. If an engine has multiple cylinders, the sum of the working volumes of all cylinders is referred to as the engine displacement, usually measured in liters (L). In China, passenger car classifications are determined based on displacement size: mini cars have a displacement of ≤1.0L; compact cars range from 1.0L to 1.6L; midsize cars range from 1.6L to 2.5L; executive cars range from 2.5L to 4.0L; and luxury cars have a displacement exceeding 4.0L.