Which car models feature horizontally opposed engines?

[Geoffrey]

Car models equipped with horizontally opposed engines include Japan's Subaru and Germany's Porsche. Horizontally opposed engines possess the following characteristics: 1. Low center of gravity: The lateral vibrations generated are easily absorbed by the mounts, effectively lowering the vehicle's heavier engine center of gravity, making it easier to achieve overall balance; 2. Low vibration: Excellent balance in piston movement. Taking the Porsche 911 as an example, this vehicle's engine type is a horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine, with rear-engine rear-wheel drive or rear-engine four-wheel drive configurations, equipped with a 7-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission. The body dimensions are 4507mm in length, 1880mm in width, and 1294mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2450mm.

[OColton]

Honestly, horizontally opposed engines are quite rare in cars, mainly mastered by Subaru and Porsche. I've been driving a Subaru Forester for almost ten years, and it's been very user-friendly for daily use. The engine sits low, giving it an ultra-stable center of gravity, making it steady when tackling mountain roads and corners. The same goes for models like the Outback and Impreza—all equipped with horizontally opposed engines, so you hardly need to worry about bumps. The Porsche 911 is also a standout, with its horizontally mounted engine delivering insane power and an exhilarating driving experience. But it's worth mentioning—why don't other brands adopt this? High costs and tricky repairs, for one. Common issues like head gasket problems in Subarus can pop up. If you're considering buying one, test drive first to feel that smoothness—after all, a car that's both fun to drive and safe is what really matters.

[VanJessica]

From my experience, horizontally opposed engines are mainly found in Subaru and Porsche models. The Subaru WRX is particularly suitable for those who love fun driving, the Forester is great for daily use, and the Legacy is quite stable for long-distance trips. The Porsche 911 is a classic, and its sound is incredibly thrilling. Maintenance-wise, you need to be careful as this type of engine tends to accumulate heat and dissipates it slowly, so regular checks on engine oil and cylinder gaskets are essential. Long-term Subaru owners report that there might be a few more minor issues, but the handling is truly outstanding. Other brands hardly use this engine type due to cost control issues, so when choosing a car, prioritize these models. For something more economical, Subaru is the way to go. Once you get used to the low center of gravity, you don’t even need to slow down for speed bumps, which adds a lot to the driving experience.

[DeJoel]

I'm quite familiar with horizontally opposed engine models, mainly the Subaru family, such as the Forester, Outback, and Impreza. Porsche's 911 also uses it, but the price isn't suitable for an average enthusiast like me. The driving advantages are obvious: low center of gravity, crisp cornering, minimal vibration, and good fuel efficiency. As for drawbacks, the space layout might feel a bit cramped, and repairs can be costly. Other brands rarely adopt this setup—historically, the Beetle used it but discontinued long ago. If you're on a budget, a used Subaru is a great choice; test drive one and you'll fall in love with that smoothness.