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

chilcutt · #1 02-28-2011, 11:54 PM

I will put the question to the Forum members.
Is the correct word for the powerplant in a car, truck, or motorcycle called an engine, or a motor?
I say..'Engine'

tbomachines · #2 03-01-2011, 12:03 AM

Engine refers to a machine that gets its power from external means (steam, gas, coal, turbine) whereas a motor is electric. If you delve into R/C world, this is generally the accepted term. Gas = engine, electric = motor.

chilcutt · #3 03-01-2011, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbomachines

Engine refers to a machine that gets its power from external means (steam, gas, coal, turbine) whereas a motor is electric. If you delve into R/C world, this is generally the accepted term. Gas = engine, electric = motor.

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?

Chas H · #4 03-01-2011, 12:43 AM

An engine converts one form of energy to another. A motor is an engine that imparts motion. That's the dictionary definition. The 2 words have come to mean just about anything that provides mechanical power.

layback40 · #5 03-01-2011, 02:54 AM

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.

chilcutt · #6 03-01-2011, 03:08 AM

Aint it hard when you discover that...you really arent 'where its at'

Mike D · #7 03-01-2011, 07:37 AM

My understanding of the two terms is, any device which creates power on its own is an engine. A motor converts an external power source.

A turbo charger is a motor and a turbine is an engine.

The one which always confused me was, "What do you call a rocket?"

They are not really an engine because they have no moving parts and any force created is not really power.

They are not a motor because their power is self created.

And yet we have heard them called both "rocket engines" and "motors"

I believe the "Motor" in both the Ford and GM names come from when the products they made were referred to as, "Motorized carriages" and the mis-nomer simply carried over.

The terms "motor" and "engine" became intermingled and both are used. "Motor" is commonly used to describe any power plant whereas "engine" is a specific type of device. So, as much as it makes me cringe, it is indeed proper to install "motor mounts" to support your internal combustion engine in the frame.

Why do we call some people "politicians" when "self-serving, power-seeking, lying pond scum" is available?

t walgamuth · #8 03-01-2011, 07:53 AM

The dictionary gives a distinction to the two words but in common use they are interchangible for the powerplant of an internal combustion device for powering automobiles.

layback40 · #9 03-01-2011, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

The dictionary gives a distinction to the two words but in common use they are interchangible for the powerplant of an internal combustion device for powering automobiles.

Nicely put Tom !!

Eskimo · #10 03-01-2011, 08:12 AM

Next up: "rims" vs "wheels".

layback40 · #11 03-01-2011, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eskimo

Next up: "rims" vs "wheels".

wheel rims maybe.

Rims dont include the tires or is that just the school I went to?

But then down here we have boots on the back of our cars, not trunks. At the front its the bonnet not the hood.

But then you guys drive on the wrong side of the road.

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

mbdoc · #12 03-01-2011, 08:22 AM

If you change the oil & filter in your Mercedes engine do you use Motor oil?

If you engine has a vibration & the rubber mounts are worn, do you replace the motor mounts?

Engines are motors, but are motors engines?

Eskimo · #13 03-01-2011, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbdoc

If you change the oil & filter in your Mercedes engine do you use Motor oil?

If corn oil comes from corn, then does motor oil come from motors? And what about baby oil?

layback40 · #14 03-01-2011, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbdoc

If you change the oil & filter in your Mercedes engine do you use Motor oil?

If you engine has a vibration & the rubber mounts are worn, do you replace the motor mounts?

Engines are motors, but are motors engines?

And how long is a piece of string ?

When my motor had a vibration I replaced the engine mounts.
I have never heard of a jet motor though.

A motor for a jet boat, I have heard of.

Maybe I just come from the wrong side of town !!

MS Fowler · #15 03-01-2011, 08:38 AM

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.