Why Are Radial Engines Not Used in Cars?

Radial engines are a type of internal combustion engine in which the cylinders are arranged in a circle around the crankshaft.
This design is often used in aircraft engines, but it is rarely seen in cars.
There are several reasons for this, including the following:

Size and Weight

Radial engines are typically larger and heavier than inline or V-type engines.
This is because the cylinders must be arranged in a circle around the crankshaft, which requires more space.
The added size and weight can make radial engines difficult to fit into the engine compartment of a car.

Complexity

Radial engines are also more complex than inline or V-type engines.
This is because the cylinders must be connected to the crankshaft using a complex system of gears and shafts.
The added complexity can make radial engines more difficult to build and maintain.

Cost

Radial engines are also more expensive to produce than inline or V-type engines.
This is due to the added size, weight, and complexity of radial engines.
The higher cost can make radial engines less attractive to car manufacturers.

Performance

Radial engines do not offer any significant performance advantages over inline or V-type engines.
In fact, radial engines can actually be less efficient than inline or V-type engines, due to the added friction caused by the complex system of gears and shafts.

Conclusion

For all of these reasons, radial engines are not used in cars.
Inline or V-type engines are simply a better choice for this application.
They are smaller, lighter, less complex, less expensive, and more efficient.