Does engine size really matter?

[InZane4all]

So a bunch of guys got into debating in the gym whether or not more Liters in a car mean more horsepower and better upgrades.

I had to disagree with their discussion as I have seen those little 1.8L vehicles completely smoke the crap out of cars with bigger engines.

But, I would have to say that those smaller engines had some upgrades.

Picture this:

In-Line 4-Cylinder Honda S2000 @240HP vs. a V8 5.7L V8 TransAM @310HP. Both stock.

Ideally, the TransAM would win, BUT, giving them both major upgrades, which one would come out on top.

In engines, is bigger better. Discuss...

[Greg94Red392]

Do doubt smaller engines can rape any f-body. I've seen a video online of a Civic smoking a Z28, and there are people here who have been waxed by them. I think it all has to do with the technology. Take the Vtec for example. It's a wonderful concept. That's the kind of stuff they have available in those countries like Japan. Imagine a high-revving DOHC Vtec 3800.

[shenanigans]

haha the t/a

problem with the s2k motor its a high revving motor with a tight power band. Even though it has 240 hp, it has like 160 ft. lbs of torque, like tha same as a 2.8L v6.


look at the numbers at a track. S2ks even under moderate modding rarely break 13s, thats with a lighter car whie a f-body with 310 will hit like 13s.

[vanbibber]

size isnt as important as it once was. you can take just about any car and make it a performer these days.

[MTMike]

There's no replacement for displacement.

Pretty much any "technology" (turbo, s/c, cam, heads, vtec yo, muffler bearings, etc) you do on a small motor will net similar or greater gains (in percentage of torque & power) in a larger displacement engine.

I'll personally take torque and power at lower rpms than high-winding high-rpm power makers like a little honda. 325hp at 2900rpms with gobs of torque is much more fun than 325hp at 9200rpms with 10ftlbs of torque.

[shenanigans]

Originally posted by MTMike:
There's no replacement for displacement.

Pretty much any "technology" (turbo, s/c, cam, heads, vtec yo, muffler bearings, etc) you do on a small motor will net similar or greater gains (in percentage of torque & power) in a larger displacement engine.

I'll personally take torque and power at lower rpms than high-winding high-rpm power makers like a little honda. 325hp at 2900rpms with gobs of torque is much more fun than 325hp at 9200rpms with 10ftlbs of torque.

agreed...


but I willl admit FI really does even the playing field as well..

[lambo101]

Originally posted by vanbibber:
size isnt as important as it once was. you can take just about any car and make it a performer these days.

i agree. my camaro will own all by the time i'm done with it :D

[camaro_speedemon]

Bad example, S2000s are road cars, not drag cars, How about a better example.

SRT4 Vs a Trans Am would be better.

[shenanigans]

Originally posted by camaro_speedemon:
Bad example, S2000s are road cars, not drag cars, How about a better example.

SRT4 Vs a Trans Am would be better.

I say know because FI in the mix changes things completely...

I knwo no replacement for displacement, but FI makes up for it.


well unless we compare '03 cobra or lightening vs. SRT4

[HokieBird]

Power to Weight ratio is what matters.

Example:
Lotus Elise
Disp: 1.8L
HP: 190
Ft lb: 138
curb weight: 1,975
1/4: 13.4
0-60: 4.7

That is all straight line stuff. In the slalom and skid pad the Elise can take a Ferrari 360 or a Porsche 911 GT3 for half or a quater of the price.

[InZane4all]

How about the Dodge SRT4 turbocharged and the Chevy Cobalt SS Supercharged? I believe the SS has 2.0L engine as to the srt4's 2.4L. About the same power.

[camaro_speedemon]

Originally posted by HokieBird:
Power to Weight ratio is what matters.

Example:
Lotus Elise
Disp: 1.8L
HP: 190
Ft lb: 138
curb weight: 1,975
1/4: 13.4
0-60: 4.7

That is all straight line stuff. In the slalom and skid pad the Elise can take a Ferrari 360 or a Porsche 911 GT3 for half or a quater of the price.

You're exactly right, power to weight is everything. 500HP in a 5000lb car is the same as 200HP in a 2000lb car.

[bret_xi]

i know vtec makes civics faster and everything but what exactly does it do to make them faster?

[camaro_speedemon]

VTEC switches from a cam that maximizes low RPMs, to a cam thats maximized for high RPMs.

[KBeezy]

*BUZZER* WRONG!


How is it then that VTEC is equipped on SOHC cars? ;) (I worked for Honda as a tech, I know this, but I want to hear your answer..)