Originally Posted by Matt L

If you can't beat them, join them. Or something like that.

But no, that's not what happened.



Although the quote is probably not quite correct. But I digress.

I see little distinction between the two.

A motor or an engine is a device which converts some sort of potential energy into mechanical energy.

Engine typically (but not always) refers to a device which uses chemical energy, specifically oxidation. Motor is used for everything. An engine is a motor.