Engine..or Motor? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

layback40 · #16 03-01-2011, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MS Fowler

I am with Chillcut on this. Gas engines/ electric motors.
I do understand that in common useage, they are more or less interchangeable. However, being a somewhat (?) anal, old cuss, I decry the degradation of langauge.
I will accept, w/o comment the common useage, but endeavor to use the terms correctly as I see it.

I notice you left diesels out of it. In DD I think you will find motor is used predominantly. Then, we are very proper in there !!

pj67coll · #17 03-01-2011, 10:00 AM

For the most part when referencing the motive force in transporation conveyances the two words are interchangeable in the english language. And especially on a Mercedes forum where the german word for engine is motor...

- Peter.

kerry · #18 03-01-2011, 10:09 AM

Etymology of motor:

mid-15c., from L. motor, lit. "mover," from movere "to move" (see move). From 15c. as "controller, prime mover" (in reference to God); sense of "agent or force that produces mechanical motion" is first recorded 1660s; that of "machine that supplies motive power" is from 1856. With explosive use 20c. as a comb. form of motor-car (1895). Motor-boat is from 1902. First record of slang motor-mouth "fast-talking person" is from 1971.

So if God is a motor, then I don't think the word has much to do with either electricity or gasoline. It's basic idea strikes me as 'the cause of motion'. Used in the strict Thomist sense, our vehicles are propelled by both an internal combustion engine and God.

Mike D · #19 03-01-2011, 10:59 AM

Ahhh! That explains why God's name (along with a couple of other words) is used when either the car doesn't start or is broken.

Matt L · #20 03-01-2011, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by layback40

And you guys have jelly on your toast, we have jam. Very few of you like a mans spread (Vegemite) on your toast.

Actually, we have both. All of the major brands produce each flavor in both jelly and jam. Don't ask me to tell you the difference. I don't eat either.

And no Vegemite either. Once was enough for that stuff.

Matt L · #21 03-01-2011, 07:51 PM

Also, I'll take motor or engine for the diesel-burning thing in my car.

All engines are motors, but not all motors are engines. "Engine" seems to have taken the meaning of a motor that uses the chemical reaction of oxidation.

layback40 · #22 03-01-2011, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt L

Actually, we have both. All of the major brands produce each flavor in both jelly and jam. Don't ask me to tell you the difference. I don't eat either.

And no Vegemite either. Once was enough for that stuff.

If I made an Australian response to this I would get an infraction for sure!!

Txjake · #23 03-01-2011, 08:08 PM

I think Steppenwolf said it best: "get your motor running, head out on the highway"

though this might be technically incorrect, substitute engine for motor here: it just doesn't flow........

oh yeah, vegemite rocks, so does nutella

Matt L · #24 03-01-2011, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by layback40

If I made an Australian response to this I would get an infraction for sure!!

At least I tried it. More than you can say for most Americans. But sad to say, it's not for me.

Since66 · #25 03-01-2011, 09:47 PM

IIRC, according to Ma Benz, an injection pump is a motor, i.e., einspritzmotor and diesel models are designated OM, i.e., oelmotor.

C280 Sport · #26 03-01-2011, 09:59 PM

I always say engine.

BodhiBenz1987 · #27 03-01-2011, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chilcutt

Thank you for the clarification. It would seem that some people are confused, and raise the argument..'Why is it called FORD MOTOR COMPANY'.
Automobile, Motorcycle, Truck assembly companys have these names as it represents the entire vehicle.
Each car company has a number of divisions, such as 'Detroit Deisel Allison-Engine Facility'...Ford-'Trenton Engine Plant'. etc..

Are there any mechanics here,or Automobile manufactureing people here who would like to substantiate whether the proper term is 'Engine, or Motor', when referring to a vehicles power-plant?

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.

LaRondo · #28 03-01-2011, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by layback40

Mr Chilcutt didnt like some of the following in another thread, hence this thread.

I think I would be asking a few English teachers for their opinion of what is the appropriate use of "engine" & "motor" before I would take the view of a Singapore night club disk jock !!
We seldom hear of an electric engine, that dosent make a petrol motor an incorrect expression.

Are you saying that General Motors only makes electric motors ?
Interestingly Detroit Engine & Turbine Company have made electric motors. I dont know if they still do.
Toyota Motor Company ?
Ford Motor Company?
Yamaha Motor Company?
Motor bikes?
National Motor Museum?
Motor shows?
Motor Homes?

The words "motor" & "engine" are generic terms and in most cases are interchangeable.

To ask the question;
"Is the correct word for the powerplant in a car, truck, or motorcycle called an engine, or a motor?"
Is nothing more than an attempt to generate a division. Depending where you are, where you grew up & where you were educated both could be correct. It is very divisive to try and call one correct & the other not.
There are plenty of other words that one could do the same thing with.
For example "Sister" or "Nun".
For those with a strong chemistry background ; Is Manganese a metal?

Its interesting to see what parts of modern society have a need for strict right & wrong as destinct from shades of gray.

Now that's a nice swag of in-distinction.

LaRondo · #29 03-02-2011, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Txjake

I think Steppenwolf said it best: "get your motor running, head out on the highway"

though this might be technically incorrect, substitute engine for motor here: it just doesn't flow........

oh yeah, vegemite rocks, so does nutella

Proletarian lingo makes a lot of things happen.

chilcutt · #30 03-02-2011, 12:14 AM

Quote:

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.

Precisely. I believe I will stick with engine to describe a vehicles power-plant. And motor to describe the thingy that moves the wipers.
Following strict grammar is very important in a fast-paced riseing nation like Singapore. Probly not needed in areas that are not as advanced.

So far..'Engine' seems to be the favorite.