Originally Posted by Benz Dr. (Post 2675237)

My understanding has always been that a motor uses an outside source of energy, be it electricity, steam, air, wind or others.
Engines create power from an energy source and convert it to mechanical power. So, in essence, you could have a coal fired turbine engine creating electrical power to run an electric motor 1,000 miles away. Noting connects the two except the transmission lines. In motors the energy source is not connected to the motor but is created elsewhere. Modern trains use diesel engines to power up generators that run electric motors.

If we REALLY want to get into a hornets nest just try telling someone their 57 Chev isn't a Classic car. It's not, it's a Milestone car, but the term Classic ( take your pick ) has become so over used that anything older than a toddler is classic these days.
The real, '' Full Classics '' from the 1930's are all but forgotten in the mix.

Originally Posted by chilcutt (Post 2675442)

Thanks for that info. I have never heard the term 'Milestone car'.

Originally Posted by MS Fowler (Post 2675458)

Correct, IF you allow only the definition of "Classic" as propounded by the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA), which I do.
But language is a living thing as they tell us, so we should expect definitions to be degraded in normal use.
For those who care, here is a link to the definition, and complete list of all cars that meet the definition:
http://www.classiccarclub.org/pdfs/Why%20We%20Define%20Classic%20as%20We%20do.pdf

Originally Posted by chilcutt (Post 2675470)

I didnt know you were a car buff, thats cool. I am sure you have heard of Woodward Avenues 'Dream Cruise'
When I look back at all the cars I owned, crashed, didnt take care of, sold, (lost in a title-for-title race).........
Aside from my benz, I still own a 57 Ford Fairlane, that is stored, and kept in my Brothers garage.

I still will use the word 'Engine', and will still say 'Classic Car' tho.

Originally Posted by Benz Dr. (Post 2675585)

Yes, as many do. Mostly I don't mind so much as long as the person sort of understands that there is a real difference between the two. Most people don't, and really believe that their '85 Ford pickup is a Classic too.

One thing to remember: the ACCA was formed in 1952, long before most of this so called Classic stuff was even built. I usually hear something like, '' Who in the hell do those guys think they are, telling us our stuff ISN'T Classic and they're stuff IS? We were here first, ya know! ''

Keep in mind this is usually stated by a guy with a pot belly, drinking a beer, standing next to his street rod, POS, ( fill in the blank ).

Originally Posted by Benz Dr. (Post 2675585)

Yes, as many do. Mostly I don't mind so much as long as the person sort of understands that there is a real difference between the two. Most people don't, and really believe that their '85 Ford pickup is a Classic too.

One thing to remember: the ACCA was formed in 1952, long before most of this so called Classic stuff was even built. I usually hear something like, '' Who in the hell do those guys think they are, telling us our stuff ISN'T Classic and they're stuff IS? We were here first, ya know! ''

Keep in mind this is usually stated by a guy with a pot belly, drinking a beer, standing next to his street rod, POS, ( fill in the blank ).

Originally Posted by chilcutt (Post 2675635)

I suppose this argument could also be applied to what some people refer to as a 'Classic Movie'. In my mind a classic movie would be a film from pre- 1945, as opposed to someone saying..'The Deer Hunter' is a classic movie. Out of curiosity, could you tell us what/if any cars you own that are considerd classic?

Originally Posted by MS Fowler (Post 2675658)

When I am at a local car show ( Home Depot has one every Friday evening when the weather warms up), I just smile when people get all excited over a "classic" 57 Chev.
If I heard that same comment among a group of knowledgeable car historians, I might actually say something.

Originally Posted by chilcutt (Post 2671330)

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?

Originally Posted by layback40 (Post 2671374)

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.

Originally Posted by whunter (Post 2675733)

Engine.

a. A machine that converts energy into mechanical force or motion.
b. Such a machine distinguished from an electric, spring-driven, or hydraulic motor by its use of a fuel.

Originally Posted by Mike D (Post 2675770)

Hey! Don't ruin a perfectly good discussion thread with facts!:D Don't make me start an "oil", "coolant" or freon thread. Let us have our mild disagreements in peace.:)