Difference between sports car engine and regular engine

All internal combustion engines can be considered similar in modern design, but with the principle that conventional car engines are optimized for fuel efficiency and sports car engines for speed and performance.

Many people assume that modern sports car engines are the same as those you find in a regular car, just more powerful. But the truth is that sports tuned engines are designed for performance and high speeds as opposed to fuel efficiency, and many of the technical elements are based on the original equipment manufacturer's engine layout. The differences come mainly from the components used, the precision engineering of the internal components, and the many performance accessories that help deliver enhanced, powerful power.

Below we will explain some of the properties of a sports car engine and how these attributes are ultimately transferred to the car you drive around town every day.

Basic understanding of internal combustion engines
To understand the difference between a sports car engine and a regular engine, we need to understand the basic components that make up a modern internal combustion engine. Basically, both types of engines have three main parts including:

Engine block (or engine block): The engine block is the main component of any internal combustion engine. It is the lower block or bottom assembly of the engine that holds the crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, combustion chambers, and oil pan. Most engine blocks are configured in a straight or V-shape . The camshaft is located on the top of the block and connects to the cylinder head.
Cylinder Head: Mounted on top of the engine block is the cylinder head (or engine head in some cases). The cylinder head consists of many individual parts such as intake and exhaust chambers, valves, valve springs, rocker arms, and other hardware. To keep the oil contained inside the cylinder heads so that all the moving parts are lubricated, a cylinder head (also known as a valve cover, engine cover) is installed.
Fuel Delivery System: Mounted on top or next to the cylinder head is the fuel delivery system. This is the fuel injection system or the carburetor (in older engines). The fuel system is where the fuel and air are mixed, then fed into the cylinder heads and finally into the combustion chambers located in the engine block. A fuel system can be supplemented by additional power components such as a supercharger or turbocharger.

Understand the goals of each type of engine
Modern performance engines (motorsports engines) are designed to maximize horsepower or torque. Horsepower is the speed at which a task is completed, while torque is measured in Nm or how much “twisting force” is applied to complete a task.

Modern engines for everyday driving are optimized for efficiency. How each type of engine accomplishes its goal is what sets the two apart.

See more: How do cylinder diameter and piston stroke determine Power and Efficiency?

How are conventional engines designed for efficiency?
Your daily driver has a powerplant that needs to be efficient for a number of reasons. First, it needs to comply with fuel efficiency and emissions standards. Modern conventional engines are often supported by a variety of computer-controlled systems that regulate fuel and air delivery, ignition timing, and even the application of power through the transmission to comply with these tasks.

The internal components of conventional engines are typically built for longevity, made from stronger metals that are heavier and designed to operate at lower RPMs to extend their life. Fuel systems are similarly designed for efficiency and typically do not include a performance booster. However, new engine technology is blending in smaller engines with turbochargers.

How performance engines are designed for power
To create the ultimate power in a sports car engine, performance car engineers will tweak individual parts of the engine. To best demonstrate this concept, let’s examine each of the three main parts that all internal combustion engines have in common, and the changes made to each part to increase power.

Engine Block: The engine block of a performance engine is usually made from a lightweight material – in most cases, aluminum. The crankshaft is made of durable steel to withstand the high revs generated by these engines, and the connecting rods and pistons are often made from aluminum or, in some cases, composite materials. Most performance engines also have a higher compression ratio inside the combustion chamber. To create higher compression, the pistons or piston rings are adjusted to create a better seal, and the cylinder head gaskets on top of the engine block and under the cylinder head are adjusted.
Cylinder Heads: If you ask most performance technicians, they will tell you that the secret to engine power lies in the cylinder head. In this case, performance-oriented engines have highly customized intake and exhaust ports that help speed the flow of fuel and exhaust through the cylinder heads. Performance cylinder heads also feature lighter weight components, in some cases made from titanium, to ensure they can handle the added power.
Fuel System: If you make modifications to the block and cylinder head to make more power, you need to get fuel in efficiently. This is the job of the fuel system. By adding a turbocharger or supercharger, air and fuel are forced into the engine, allowing it to burn more fuel and therefore produce more horsepower.
The key to effective power is making changes to all three components to work in harmony with each other. Engineers often spend thousands of hours of research and development to find the perfect balance between optimal performance and engine damage.

As you can see, there are a number of differences between a sports car engine and a regular engine. One important similarity they have is the need for all the moving systems to work together effectively. The fuel system needs to be tuned to the cylinder head configuration, which needs to deliver fuel efficiently to the combustion chambers inside the engine block. They all require regular service and maintenance, and each has an expected lifespan. When regular service is performed as recommended on both types of engines, the car will last longer and allow you to enjoy driving it to its full potential.