is it "better" than traditional engines? cheaper to produce? i dont understand why they dont just switch to a traditional engine style like everyone else. and i wonder if they could make a V formation with those engines

 

It packages better I think, and it has better vibration characteristics.

 

Are you saying that it's no good? Why does Porsche use it in their cars?


All boxer engines, regardless of no. of cylinders, provide perfect balance because the movement of a piston is exactly counter by the corresponding piston in another bank.

However, they are too wide for good packaging, and is more expensive due to more parts used, thus the usage is limited to Porsche and Subaru today.

 

I always thought the packaging was nice in a Subaru because the engine sits kind of low in the car and the intercooler, turbo, and accessories all sit on top.

 

i know a bit of how they work and horizontal opposed engines seem more efficient also...seems like less stress also. course i have no clue what im talking about so ill just sit back and watch

 

it does lower the center of gravity, which is usually good

 

I love the sound those engines make.

 

to answer davos question on why, it's probably because it's what their good at. Just like BMW is great with their I-6. Subaru and porsche have been using the boxer design for a long time now so that is what they're good at developing.

 

Yea, first time I saw one like that I was confused.

Guy opened up the hood and was like "hey hey look at that!! nice huh?"

"nice? wtf is that? it's just a bunch of hoses and wires, where's the engine?"

:slap:
"boxer n00b, it's underneath it!"

 

:werd:

It fits nicely in the engine bay leaving plenty of room for the turbo system components. Plus the engine sitting lower in the car lowers the center of gravity, thus improving handling characteristics.

:werd: again. Honda is great at making small displacement, fuel efficient engines. Do we see them manufacturing 7 liter V8's for production? Nope. Companies find a niche in the market that they can call their own, and that's what they continue to improve upon.