Rating of the best engines for passenger cars for 2022

On Russian roads there are many cars from different countries and generations. Next to domestic small cars on old carburetor engines, fancy foreign cars with powerful and latest diesel, electric or hydrogen engines often drive. It is difficult to understand such a variety of modern vehicles without knowing the principles and fundamentals of the functioning of a classic internal combustion engine (ICE). Moreover, it is the simplest designs that are distinguished by reliability and durability. Such units, along with a rather mediocre displacement, without direct fuel supply and often devoid of turbo systems, despite all their apparent old-fashionedness, have a solid operational resource.

The review considers the best models of traditional internal combustion engines, which are still the most popular when installed on passenger cars.

General information and components

An engine is a device in which the thermal energy of a burning fuel is converted into mechanical energy that sets the vehicle in motion.

The principle of motor design for any type of automotive equipment is almost unchanged. The main components and mechanisms, despite the differences between the individual elements, are very similar.

Main mechanisms:

• Cylinders in a block - placement of a cylinder-piston group (CPG) in a single shell for the entire unit and cooling system.

• Gas distribution mechanism - supply of the mixture, removal of combustion products. It is completed with camshafts, valves with rods or rocker arms, belts for synchronizing the system with the crankshaft.

• The crank mechanism is the transformation of the direct stroke of the piston into a rotational movement. Complete with flywheel, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons and bearings.

• The power system is the preparation of fuel for supply for combustion.It is completed with a storage tank, a pump, a filter with an air intake, an intake manifold with nozzles, a carburetor, a high pressure pump (on a diesel engine).

• Lubrication system - directing lubrication to friction points and areas for additional cooling. It is completed with an oil pump connected to the crankshaft, has an extensive pipe system.

• Ignition system - ignition of the mixture. Complete with coils and spark plugs, distributor and wires.

• Cooling system - maintaining the required temperature. A heat exchanger (radiator), a cooling jacket, a coolant (antifreeze, etc.), a thermostat and a water pump are used.

• The electrical system is the generation of electric current to start the engine and maintain it in working condition. There is a battery, generator, starter, wiring and control sensors.
• Exhaust system - releasing combustion residues, adjusting the sound of a working power unit, additional purification. The exhaust manifold, catalyst and particulate filter, resonator, silencer are used.

The best manufacturers are constantly improving and developing these components. They are looking for the best solutions to increase the reliability and durability of their models while reducing fuel consumption and demonstrating concern for the environment.

Principle of operation

The basis of the functioning of any internal combustion engine is the conversion of combustion energy into mechanical work. Typically, in classic engines installed on passenger cars, each cylinder operates according to a four-stroke scheme:

1. First, the piston rushes down with the opening of the inlet valve, through which the mixture enters.
2. As the piston rises, the valve closes and the fuel used is compressed to a critical state.
3. At the moment the piston is at the very top, a maximum compression is created with ignition from a spark of a candle. The force of the microexplosion moves the piston down.
4. The exhaust valve opens, and the piston moving upward directs the gases into the manifold.

Video tutorial "How the internal combustion engine works":

Classification features

Working cycle

• 2-stroke - for one revolution of the crankshaft, one two-stage cycle is performed. In the modern automotive industry, they are almost never used.
• 4-stroke - for two revolutions of the crankshaft, one four-stage cycle is performed.

Design

• piston - traditional internal combustion engines with cylinders and pistons, universally installed on passenger vehicles;
• rotary - Wankel motors using a rotor with three edges instead of a piston and an oval-shaped combustion chamber, the complexity of manufacturing and maintenance minimizes use in modern passenger cars.

Number of cylinders

Usually motors contain from four to eight pieces. Developers prefer an even number to balance work cycles. However, sometimes there are models with three cylinders.

Cylinder layout

• in-line - building everyone on one crankshaft and in one row;

• V-shaped - the location of two rows on one crankshaft at an angle of 45-90⁰:

• VR-shaped - the location of two rows on one crankshaft at a slight angle of 10-20⁰;

• W-shaped - placement on one crankshaft of a block with three or four cylinders;

• U-shaped - installation on two crankshafts of two rows, which are placed in parallel and brought together in one housing;

• opposed - horizontal installation on one crankshaft of two rows;

• counter - installation on two crankshafts of one cylinder-piston group with two pistons in one cylinder that move towards each other;

• radial - CPG is located around one crankshaft.

Type of fuel

• gasoline - ignition is required with a spark plug, high speed develops;
• diesel - self-ignites under pressure, high power develops;
• gas - are popular due to the relatively low price of gas;
• hybrid - a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor;
• hydrogen.

The functioning of the timing

• one camshaft - for single-row devices;
• two to four camshafts - with a V-shaped layout;
• adaptive;
• pneumatic.

Air injection

• atmospheric - normal flow with the piston downstroke;
• turbocharged - additional pumping into the combustion chamber.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

1. Convenience for car owners due to the functioning infrastructure of gas stations.
2. Fast and easy refueling;
3. Long service life with proper maintenance.

Flaws:

1. Low efficiency up to 25%.
2. The complexity of the design of a modern internal combustion engine with new engineering solutions.

Criterias of choice

The question of choosing a power unit usually arises before buying a vehicle. In order not to make mistakes when choosing, you should pay attention to the advice of professionals and the recommendations of specialists:

• Fuel type - gasoline or diesel.
• Equipping a gasoline engine with a carburetor or a more modern injector.
• Air supply method - turbocharging for diesel engines, aspirated for gasoline.
• Engine size depending on the required power, savings in fuel and lubricants, future expenses for tax, insurance, etc.
• The location and layout of the unit, the number of valves.

As a result, the power unit must provide the required balance of torque value with power, with overall reliability, maintainability and economy.

Where could I buy

Popular engine models are selected along with the car you like when buying new items in a car dealership or from hands in the secondary market. Any models can be checked there during a test drive, and experienced consultants will tell you what configurations are available, how to choose, which company is better to buy, how much it costs.

If there is no worthy choice at the place of residence, a suitable model can be selected in the online store. In the same place, study the technical characteristics, see the description, photos, as well as customer reviews. However, ordering online is not recommended, because such expensive purchases should only be made in person when communicating with the seller.

The best engines for cars

The rating of quality products was developed on the basis of functionality and technical characteristics, as well as according to the opinions of customers who left reviews on the pages of car dealerships based on the results of operating the cars purchased there. The popularity of models was determined by reliability, durability, maintainability, technical parameters, cost-effectiveness of maintenance and operation.

The review presents ratings among domestically produced engines, as well as German and Japanese manufacturers, which are leaders in the modern automotive industry.

TOP 3 best domestic motors

UMZ-4213 "Euro-3"

Brand - UMZ (Russia).
Manufacturer - JSC "Ulyanovsk Motor Plant" (Russia).

Injector model from a domestic manufacturer for equipping UAZ vehicles. Differs in the ability to keep high torque at low speeds. It has the best traction characteristics, allowing you to overcome steep climbs and off-road.

It is offered at a price of 153,000 rubles.

• improved performance due to cylinder bore;
• improved exhaust system;
• good maintainability;
• extended service life.

• frequent leakage of working fluids;
• increased fuel consumption;
• poor-quality electrical wiring;
• the need for valve adjustment.

Features of UMZ-4213:

ZMZ-514

Brand - ZMZ (Russia).
Producer - OJSC "Zavolzhsky Motor Plant" (Russia).

Domestic diesel 4-stroke unit for installation on the UAZ Hunter car model and replacing previously released engines with Patriot. It has an L-shaped arrangement of the piston group. Closed liquid cooling circuit with forced circulation. Friction engine parts are lubricated by a combined spray and pressure lubrication method. Each cylinder has four valves with intercooler cooling. Bosch common rail injector system is used. Turbocharger of Czech production.

For the manufacture of a monolithic structure of the cylinder block, special cast iron is used. Heads are cast from aluminum alloy. Distribution elements are made of low carbon alloy steel.

The price is from 390,000 rubles.

• simple design;
• good maintainability.

• poor workmanship, leading to failures of the vacuum and oil pumps, breaks or jumps in the timing chain;
• increased vibration;
• great cost.

Repair and maintenance of ZMZ-514:

VAZ 11182

Brand - AvtoVAZ (Russia).
Producer - JSC "AvtoVAZ" (Russia).

The latest domestic development with improved technical characteristics for installation on Lada Largus FL and Lada Granta FL vehicles with adaptation to run on 92-octane gasoline. In the model of an 8-valve 1.6-liter engine with an updated connecting rod and piston group, an upgraded timing and a lighter crankshaft, power was increased to 90 horsepower. At the same time, already at 1,000 rpm, 80% of the torque is available, which reduces the frequency of switching and fuel consumption. Elements from Renault were used in the motor - pushers, valve stem seals.

The average price is from 150,000 rubles.

• improved power characteristics;
• 15% reduction in operating oil consumption;
• increased detonation properties;
• unpretentiousness to the used fuels and lubricants;
• reduced vibration and noise;
• high reliability;
• good traction at low speeds;
• reduced idle speed to 750 rpm;
• good maintainability;
• cheap parts.

• low power for a modern car;
• increased consumption of fuel and lubricants compared to similar foreign cars;
• capricious wiring;
• overcharge.

Video review of VAZ 11182:

Comparative characteristics

	UMZ-4213 "Euro-3"	ZMZ-514	VAZ 11182
Working volume, cc	2890	2235	1596
Maximum power, hp / rpm * min	125/4 000	113,5/3 500	900 /5 000
Torque, N*m/rev*min	220/2 500	270/1 300	143/3 800
Number of cylinders	4	4	4
Valves per cylinder	2	4	2
Compression ratio	8.2	19.5	10.5
Consumption in the combined cycle, l / 100 km	11	10.6	7.5
Fuel	at least 92	diesel	at least 92
environmental standard	Euro 2	Euro 4	Euro 5+
Resource, km	250000	200000	200000

TOP 3 best German engines

BMW B58

Brand - BMW (Germany).
The country of origin is Germany.

Powerful 6-cylinder turbocharged model of the 6th generation G11 / G12 from a foreign manufacturer for installation on X3-X7, Z4 cars. 640i GT, as well as the Toyota Supra. Produced since 2015. Designed in a typical in-line configuration with a closed block, the walls of which are coated with wear-resistant coating. The material of manufacture is aluminium. A head with 24 valves, direct fuel inlet and two camshafts, which are driven by a GR chain, is installed on top. Air is supplied by a Bosch Mahle turbocharger. An intercooler is built into the intake manifold. It is produced in three versions with a capacity of 326, 340 and 382 hp. It is highly sensitive to low quality fuels and lubricants.

• quality manufacturing;
• high power;
• frisky acceleration;
• thoughtful design.

• disposable design;
• high cost of operation and maintenance;
• big transport tax.

Video review B58:

Volkswagen 2.0TSI CHHB/CNCD

Brand - VW (Germany).
The country of origin is Germany.

Third generation model with four cylinders for installation on cars Golf7, Jetta GLI, Passat B8. Tiguan, Audi A4-A6, Q3, etc. Produced since 2012. The closed block design has thin walls to reduce the overall weight.

• high reliability;
• economical consumption of fuel and lubricants;
• good power;
• improved traction characteristics;
• well-established service network;
• large selection of spare parts.

• requires monitoring the condition of the timing chain;
• high oil consumption and the need for frequent replacement;
• oil leaks occur.

Video review 2.0 TSI:

Mercedes M139

Brand - Mercedes (Germany).
The country of origin is Germany.

German-made high-tech forced four-cylinder model for installation on AMG vehicles with index 45. It has been produced in Germany since 2019 on the latest technological line manually in two modifications. A closed block cast from aluminum is used with cast-iron sleeves installed inside, rotated 180⁰. Friction between cylinder and piston is reduced by applying a Nanoslide coating. The design uses dual injection, controlled by the new Bosch MG1 block. They are considered the most powerful power units for cars.

• high power;
• high quality workmanship;
• excellent technical characteristics;
• innovative solutions;
• manual assembly.

• high price;
• increased consumption.

M139 engine:

Comparative characteristics

	bmw b58	VW 2.0TSI CHHB/CNCD	Mercedes M139
Working volume, cc	2998	1984	1991
Maximum power, hp / rpm * min	326; 340; 382	180; 210; 220; 230; 265; 280; 290; 300; 310/6000-6600	387; 421/6500; 6750
Torque, N*m/rev*min	450-500/1380-5000	280-400/1500-5600	480; 500/4750-5250
Number of cylinders	6	4	4
Valves per cylinder	4	4	4
Compression ratio	11	9.6	9
Consumption in the combined cycle, l / 100 km	7.3	6	8.4
Fuel	98	98	98-100
environmental standard	Euro 6	Euro 5+	Euro 6d

TOP 3 best Japanese engines

Honda K24

Brand - Honda (Japan).
Country of origin - Japan.

Powerful gasoline unit for installation on almost the entire model range of Honda cars. Produced since 2002 and has at least 18 modifications. In the development process, an optimal balance of traction, power and torque has been achieved.

• high power;
• long service life;
• good economy;
• versatility of the platform with interchangeable elements;
• excellent base for tuning;
• good maintainability.

• the exhaust camshaft gradually wears out;
• there are oil leaks through the front crankshaft oil seal;
• revs sometimes "float" due to contamination of the idle valve and throttle.

Video review of K24:

Mazda SkyActiv-G 2.5

Brand - Mazda (Japan).
Country of origin - Japan.

Injection economical model for equipping passenger cars CX-5 and "six". Produced since 2011. A significantly lightened aluminum cylinder block is installed, divided along the crankshaft axis into upper and lower parts. A trapezoidal piston is used with a recess in the middle for uniform ignition of the mixture. Can work on Atkinson and Otto cycles. High sensitivity to fuel quality, which must be at least 95 octane. The use of special electronic phase shifters provides flexible control of gas distribution with valve opening at a given time. Mechanical friction losses and hydraulic losses are reduced by equipping with an oil pump capable of changing the pressure in two ranges depending on the operating mode.

• high compression ratio;
• excellent dynamism;
• increased torque;
• versatility of work;
• economy.

• regular replacement of spark plugs is required;
• the need for fuel quality control.

SkyActiv device and problems:

Toyota 2GR

Brand - Toyota (Japan).
Country of origin - Japan.

A modern naturally aspirated 6-cylinder model for equipping a wide range of Toyota luxury coupes and sedans. It has been produced since 2005 in six modifications that differ in fuel consumption and equipment. There is a high sensitivity to the quality of fuels and lubricants.

• high power;
• good endurance for any operating conditions;
• high reliability;
• simple design;
• the resource is more than 300 thousand kilometers.

• at start-up, a crack is sometimes noted due to VVT-i clutches;
• idle low rpm.

Video review of 2GR:

Comparative characteristics

	Honda K24	Mazda SkyActiv-G 2.5	Toyota 2GR
Working volume, cc	2354	2488	3456
Maximum power, hp / rpm * min	156-205/5900-7000	192/5700	249-360/6000-7000
Torque, N*m/rev*min	217-232/3600-4500	256/3250	317-498/3200-4800
Number of cylinders	4	4	6
Valves per cylinder	4	4	4
Compression ratio	11.1	14	10,8; 11,8; 12,5; 13
Consumption in the combined cycle, l / 100 km	8.8	6.3	10.6
Fuel	95	95	95
environmental standard	Euro 5	Euro 4	Euro 5

Modern engines have a good resource of maximum mileage up to 400 thousand kilometers. With timely and competent maintenance, you can extend the life of the power unit.

Enjoy the shopping. Take care of yourself and your loved ones!