What Does a Car Engine Weight? (Small and large engine options)

Whether you are planning to replace your vehicle’s motor or you are simply curious, you might be asking yourself – how much does a car engine weigh? With so many different engines on the road, it’s difficult to say that all motors weigh the same amount.

Weight is largely determined by engine size. V8 engines, which are larger than V8, can average 400-700 pounds. A smaller V6 engine weighs between 300 and 450 pounds. Diesel motors may weigh up to 700 pounds. 

This article will discuss the different types of engines as well as how they are weighed. This article will also examine how the size of an engine affects its performance. 

Factors That Affect Car Engine Weight

1. Size

Its size will determine its weight. The number of cylinders an automotive engine has determines its classification. 

Most passenger cars will have a four-cylinder motor under the hood. Larger vehicles will be fitted with 6- or 8-cylinder engines. Many of these are located in an asymmetrical arrangement. Configuration V-shaped. With each cylinder that’s added, more weight is tacked on as well. 

2. Material

The construction material is another factor that determines the engine's weight. An engine made from cast iron will be more heavy than one that is made of aluminum. 

An older engine might be made from cast iron, causing it to weigh more than what’s found in a newer model made from aluminum. That’s why some car models weigh less as they get newer. 

3. Placement

Weight will be affected by engine displacement. The following is an example: GM 215 cubic in Because of its smaller displacement, the engine is 175 pounds lighter than the LS1 engine (346 cubic inches). 

A larger cylinder hole and a longer travel distance for the pistons will result in a heavier engine. A large, four-cylinder engine can weigh more than an efficient six-cylinder one. 

4. Model Year

Weighing also depends on the year that it was manufactured. Weight is also affected by the year of the engine. 

Sometimes, the advancements in technology can help lower your weight. As additional technology is developed, however, it can lead to an increase in weight. 

Average Weight of a V8 Engine

A typical V8 engine is about 400-700 pounds (1180-135 kg) You will find V8 engines that are the largest in a pickup truck or SUV. 

V8 engines do not have to be large or heavy. Both the Ford/Jaguar 3.9 liter V8 and the GM 215V8 are smaller eight-cylinder engines than others. 

Average Weight of a V6 Engine

Although the V6 motor looks identical to V8, it has two less cylinders. Therefore, you can expect the engine's weight to drop overall.

V6 engines weigh in at between 300 and 450 pounds (1140 to 200kg). However, the exact same factors apply.

Displacement doesn’t always change the weight dramatically. This is evident in the Ford EcoBoost V6 motor. The 449-pound 3.5-liter V6 engine weighs nine more pounds than the smaller 2.7-liter motor. 

Average weight for a 4 cylinder engine

A 4 cylinder aluminum engine of modern design weighs in at 200-350 pounds. This is a lot lighter than an v6 engine or v8 engine. If it’s a cast-iron block you can expect it to be slightly heavier than an aluminum engine.

Diesel Engine vs. Fuel Engine

A diesel engine is naturally heavier than an equivalent gas motor because of its design. Because diesel engines are more powerful than gas powered versions, it is necessary to build them differently. This adds weight to the vehicle.

A fun fact is that diesel fuel has a higher weight than regular gasoline because it contains larger molecules. Due to its viscosity or density, it atomizes differently. Diesel fuel weighs 71.1 pounds and gasoline is only 6.3. 

Do Heavier Engines Last Longer?

Engine size won’t tell you the durability of the motor. Its usage and location in the vehicle will impact its durability more than its size. 

Larger engines don’t work as hard as the smaller engine does, but it also contains heavier parts, so more fuel and power is needed. An engine that is heavier can fail just as quickly as one with a lighter weight. It can be costly to fix. 

Comparing Engine Weight to. Performance

It was common to believe that the bigger the engine, the greater its power output. But that's no longer true. 

For better acceleration and speed, large engines are often used in high performance vehicles. These heavier engines can also cause poorer braking because they must stop more often. Also, larger engines may make it harder to turn and change lanes. 

Lighter engines are also more efficient. A lighter engine requires less fuel to drive it. That’s why it’s important to evaluate the performance and weight of an engine before deciding what’s best.