Cars with Boxer Engines
What is a Boxer Engine?
A boxer engine is a type of flat engine in which the cylinders are arranged horizontally opposed to each other. This design is often used in aircraft and racing cars, as it offers a number of advantages over other engine configurations.
Boxer engines are inherently balanced, meaning that they do not produce any vibration at idle. This is due to the fact that the opposing pistons cancel out each other’s forces. This makes boxer engines ideal for use in sports cars, as they can provide a smooth and refined driving experience.
Boxer engines are also very compact and lightweight. This is because the cylinders are arranged in a flat plane, which reduces the overall height and weight of the engine. This makes boxer engines ideal for use in small cars and lightweight sports cars.
Advantages of Boxer Engines
- Inherent balance
- Compact and lightweight
- Low center of gravity
- Improved handling
- Increased fuel efficiency
Disadvantages of Boxer Engines
- More expensive to manufacture
- More difficult to service
- Less power than other engine configurations
Cars with Boxer Engines
Boxer engines are used in a variety of cars, including sports cars, luxury cars, and even some family sedans. Some of the most notable cars with boxer engines include the Porsche 911, the Subaru WRX STI, and the Toyota 86.
Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 is one of the most iconic sports cars in the world. It has been in production since 1963, and has undergone numerous changes over the years. However, one thing that has remained constant is the use of a boxer engine.
The boxer engine in the Porsche 911 is a 6-cylinder unit that produces up to 500 horsepower. This power is delivered to the rear wheels, which gives the 911 excellent handling and performance.
Subaru WRX STI
The Subaru WRX STI is a high-performance version of the Subaru Impreza. It is powered by a 2.5-liter boxer engine that produces up to 310 horsepower. This power is delivered to all four wheels, which gives the WRX STI excellent traction and handling.
The WRX STI is a popular choice for rally racing, as it offers excellent performance and durability. It is also a popular choice for street driving, as it offers a fun and engaging driving experience.
Toyota 86
The Toyota 86 is a sports car that was developed in collaboration with Subaru. It is powered by a 2.0-liter boxer engine that produces up to 205 horsepower. This power is delivered to the rear wheels, which gives the 86 excellent handling and performance.
The Toyota 86 is a popular choice for track driving, as it offers excellent handling and a low center of gravity. It is also a popular choice for street driving, as it offers a fun and engaging driving experience.
Conclusion
Boxer engines offer a number of advantages over other engine configurations, including inherent balance, compact size, and lightweight. This makes them ideal for use in sports cars, luxury cars, and even some family sedans.
If you are looking for a car that offers excellent performance and handling, then you should consider a car with a boxer engine.