At one point, we all believed small engines were the answer to better fuel economy. Budget automobiles, such as Japan’s renowned Kei-class cars, have built a name for themselves as ideal economy personal car offerings, boasting small engine capacities of between 360cc and 660cc. Also, most notably in the past, powerful vehicles, like the typical ol’ American muscle cars with enormous engines, were gas guzzlers, to say the least. On the other hand, efficiency-oriented cars are typically equipped with smaller engines to ensure acceptable fuel efficiency.
So, does that mean small engines will always wipe the floor with their larger counterparts with regards to fuel economy? Well, the answer isn’t going to be a straightforward one this time. But here it goes anyway: Yes and No. Yes, because a small engine means fewer cylinders, which logically implies less gasoline and air will be displaced across all cylinders. No, because in the event an engine is too small for the vehicle’s weight, the driver will end up stomping on the gas pedal more often, canceling out any theoretical fuel savings. That said, let’s look at the nuances of engine size, fuel economy, and the other factors at play with regard to efficiency.
There’s More to Fuel Economy Than a Small Engine
Suffice it to say, the idea that engine size alone impacts fuel efficiency overlooks the bigger picture. Tech advancements in the automotive industry have introduced a range of factors that influence how far a gallon of gas can go.
- Vehicle weight: The weight and size of the car are equally as important as the engine size. Pairing a small engine with a bigger and/or heavier vehicle may require the engine to work harder, burning more gas than intended.
- Turbocharged engines: Today, most small engines tend to feature turbochargers, designed to enhance power without drastically burning gas. However, when drivers push these turbocharged engines too hard, any fuel savings can quickly disappear.
- Driving Habits: This is pretty straightforward; high-speed driving, hard braking, and aggressive acceleration all adversely affect your fuel economy, no matter the car’s engine size.
- Aerodynamics: How a car moves through the air may also influence its fuel economy. A less aerodynamic vehicle with a small engine will have difficulty competing with a streamlined design and a large engine pairing.
When Going Bigger Makes More Sense
If you live in a hilly or rugged area, regularly carry heavy loads, or drive long distances often, a bigger engine might just be the most efficient option. Why? A larger engine won’t have to strain to perform such demanding tasks as would a small engine, which can prove more economical in the long run.
Moreover, larger engines tend to last longer, as they barely get pushed to their limits like smaller ones often are. So, when you go shopping for a car and come across one with a bigger engine, don’t be quick to cross it off your list. Instead, take a deeper look at the vehicle spec sheet—its fuel economy might just surprise you.
As we’ve seen, picking the right engine size all comes down to striking the right balance. Small engines can be amazingly efficient in the right conditions, but that doesn’t render them a panacea for everyone. By taking into account the loads you carry, the conditions you regularly run into, and your driving habits, you’ll be in a better position to choose the right engine for your needs.