Ward's releases annual Top 10 engine list

hemi

Ward's has been issuing its "Top 10 Engines" list for a dozen years now, and this year's list, like others, is filled with internal combustion goodness. In alphabetical order:

Audi 2L FSI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Audi A3)
Audi 4.2L DOHC V-8 (Audi S4)
BMW 3L DOHC I-6 (330i)
DCX 5.7L Hemi Magnum OHV V-8 (Dodge Charger R/T)
Ford 4.6L SOHC V-8 (Mustang GT)
GM 2L supercharged DOHC I-4 (Chevrolet Cobalt SS)
GM 2.8L turbocharged DOHC V-6 (Saab 9-3 Aero)
Mazda 2.3L DISI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Mazdaspeed 6)
Nissan 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Infiniti G35 6MT)
Toyota 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Lexus IS 350)

My comments follow below…

The first three are difficult to disagree with - theyre great engines. DCXs Hemi combines high output with cylinder deactivation, so I understand why it makes the list instead of GMs LS2 or GenIV truck engines. But the FoMoCo 3-valve 4.6L Mod motor? In no way should that be on this list instead of the LS2 - that is, unless one favors a larger, heavy, more complex engine that makes 25% less power. GMs supercharged Ecotec is an interesting choice; I personally would have gone for DCXs turbocharged 2.4L from the SRT4, or Mitsubishis 2.0L 4G63 from the Lancer EVO. GMs twin-turbo 2.8L V6 disappoints me just a bit from a power standpoint, but maybe it performs better than its numbers would indicate. Mazdas turbo 2.3L is indeed impressive, so I have no qualms about its inclusion. No issues with the last two engines on the list, as theyre an impressive pair of V6s, but the Acura RLs 3.5L V6 does seem left out. And wheres the light-truck diesels, which offer an impressive combination of economy, durability, and power?

Keeping in mind that the engine had to be available in a vehicle with a retail price under $52K, what do you think should have made this years list?


Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)








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