Have Opposed Piston Engines Been Used in Passenger Cars?

Introduction

An opposed piston engine is a type of internal combustion engine in which two pistons move in opposite directions within a single cylinder. This design has been used in a variety of applications, including aircraft, locomotives, and passenger cars.

History of Opposed Piston Engines in Passenger Cars

The first opposed piston engine used in a passenger car was the Junkers Jumo 205, which was developed in Germany in the 1930s. The Jumo 205 was a two-stroke diesel engine that produced 105 horsepower. It was used in a number of passenger cars, including the BMW 328 and the Mercedes-Benz W125.

After World War II, the opposed piston engine was used in a number of other passenger cars, including the Saab 92, the Lancia Fulvia, and the Subaru 360.

Advantages of Opposed Piston Engines

Opposed piston engines offer a number of advantages over conventional piston engines, including:

• Compactness: Opposed piston engines are more compact than conventional piston engines because they do not require a separate cylinder head. This makes them ideal for use in small cars.
• Smoothness: Opposed piston engines run more smoothly than conventional piston engines because the opposing pistons cancel out each other’s vibrations.
• Fuel efficiency: Opposed piston engines can be more fuel efficient than conventional piston engines because they have a higher compression ratio.

Disadvantages of Opposed Piston Engines

Opposed piston engines also have some disadvantages, including:

• Complexity: Opposed piston engines are more complex than conventional piston engines, which can make them more expensive to manufacture and maintain.
• Reliability: Opposed piston engines can be less reliable than conventional piston engines because they have more moving parts.

Conclusion

Opposed piston engines have been used in passenger cars for over 80 years. They offer a number of advantages over conventional piston engines, including compactness, smoothness, and fuel efficiency. However, they also have some disadvantages, including complexity and reliability. As a result, opposed piston engines have not been used as widely in passenger cars as conventional piston engines.