In this message we will discuss Boxer motors. What is a Boxer motor, what is the difference. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a boxermotor?
With a traditional four stroke four cylinder engine all the pistons are facing the same direction. With a Boxer engine this is a little bit different. The Pistons are placed opposite of each othe. That is what makes the name Flat Four or Flat six (depending on the amount of cylinders): See the below picture for a better understanding:
This setup has quitte a few advantages in comparison to a traditional engine. First of all the boxer engine is less high so the center of gravity is lower. As we have said before a lower center of gravity will have a positive effect on the handling. Boxermotors are also more compact which means they can be placed more in the middle of the car creating a more equal weight distribution. Another advantage is because the cylinderpairs are at the opposite of each other, the engine is more balanced. Because of this the engine has more torque at lower rpm's.
The disadvantage is that boxerengines are wider and this could create problems with the front suspension. Because of this there are only a few manufacturers that create cars with boxer engines in the front. Because the rear suspension takes less place it is easier to install a boxer engine in the back of the car.Another disadvantage is that the pulses of the engine are not as easily synchonised in comparison to regular four stroke engines. The best way is to design a 4-1 header but space is hard to find around the engine.
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