Originally Posted by BodhiBenz1987

The word motor is defined as a device that moves something, but the formal rule in English is that an engine creates its own power; a motor receives power from an outside source (i.e., electricity). Based on the origin of the words, an engine is a form of a motor, but in engineering and writing (English and journalistic) styles the engine is that big internal combustion device under the hood; motors lift/lower your windows, move your wipers, open your sunroof, etc. Don't ask me why. Language is quirky. "Motor" is a very common colloquialism for engines, in the same way people refer to Chimpanzees as "monkeys" (they're apes) ... so a "motor company" probably named itself as such based on the fact that so many people said "motorcar," "motorboat, "motoring." I.e., it's meant to resonate with the public, not follow strict grammar.