30 Best Engines of All Time Ranked and Graded
Alright, boys, gather 'round! I've spent some time digging through these here sources and I've got a list of the top 30 engines ever made. Now, picking the best engines is like choosing your favorite wrench – everyone's got their preference. But I've tried to be fair and came up with a system that takes into account a few things:
Reliability: How often does this thing break down? Can it take a beating? This is worth 30 points.
Performance: How much horsepower does it have? How's the torque? This gets 25 points.
Longevity: How many miles can this thing run before it needs a rebuild? We're talking 20 points here.
Innovation: Did this engine change the game? Did it introduce something new and exciting? Worth 15 points.
Cool Factor: This is the "it" factor – the sound, the feel, the history. This is worth 10 points.
Now, let's get this show on the road and count down these amazing engines:
30. Audi 5.0L V10 Biturbo (83 Points)
Reliability: 22/30 – These Audis are known for being a little finicky and needing some extra TLC compared to, say, your average Toyota.
Performance: 23/25 – This beast pumps out 571 horses, which is enough to make your hair stand on end.
Longevity: 15/20 – It's a German engine, so you know it'll last a good while, but it's also turbocharged, which can put extra stress on things.
Innovation: 10/15 – It's not groundbreaking, but taking a Lamborghini V10 and strapping two turbos on it is a pretty neat trick.
Cool Factor: 13/10 - A V10 in a station wagon? That's just plain cool. This engine was found in the C6 Audi RS6, a car that can haul groceries and hit 60 in under 4 seconds.
Verdict: A wild child that combines practicality with supercar performance. Just make sure you've got a good mechanic on speed dial.
29. Audi 5.2L V10 FSI 40V (84 Points)
Reliability: 23/30 – Another Audi, so it's not going to be as bulletproof as some of the Japanese engines, but it's still a solid piece of engineering.
Performance: 22/25 - 444 horsepower and a sound that'll make you weak in the knees. What's not to love?
Longevity: 15/20 – You can expect this engine to last well over 200,000 miles with proper care.
Innovation: 12/15 – It's not the most groundbreaking engine, but it's a high-revving naturally-aspirated V10 in a world that's increasingly going turbocharged. That's got to be worth something!
Cool Factor: 12/10 - A naturally aspirated V10 in a sedan? Sign me up! This engine powered the Audi S6, a sleeper car that can surprise a lot of folks at the stoplight.
Verdict: A refined and powerful engine that proves you don't need turbos to have fun.
28. Honda C30A (85 Points)
Reliability: 28/30 – It's a Honda, so you know it's going to run forever. The C30A is known for being incredibly dependable.
Performance: 20/25 - For its time, 270 horsepower from a naturally aspirated V6 was pretty impressive.
Longevity: 18/20 – These engines can easily go over 300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Innovation: 12/15 – It wasn't the first V6, but it was one of the first to be used in a true supercar, the original Acura NSX.
Cool Factor: 7/10 – It's a smooth and refined engine, but it's not exactly known for its soul-stirring exhaust note.
Verdict: A legendary engine that changed the supercar game. It might not be the most exciting engine on this list, but it's a testament to Honda's engineering brilliance.
27. Volvo B230FT (86 Points)
Reliability: 29/30 - These engines are legendary for their toughness. You can beat on them, neglect them, and they'll still keep running.
Performance: 18/25 – They're not the most powerful engines out there, but they've got plenty of low-end torque, making them great for hauling stuff or having fun in the snow.
Longevity: 19/20 – These engines can run for hundreds of thousands of miles with basic maintenance.
Innovation: 8/15 – It wasn't the first turbocharged engine, but it was one of the first to be widely used in a production car.
Cool Factor: 12/10 – There's something cool about a brick-shaped Volvo wagon that can outrun a lot of modern sports cars.
Verdict: A true workhorse that will outlive you and your kids. If you're looking for an engine that will never let you down, the B230FT is your best friend. It was commonly found in Volvo's 240 and 740 models, cars known for their durability and safety.
26. Alfa Romeo ‘Busso’ V6 (87 Points)
Reliability: 22/30 – It's an Italian engine, so it's going to have a little more character, and maybe a few more quirks, than some of the other engines on this list.
Performance: 21/25 – These engines were available in a variety of configurations, with horsepower ranging from around 130 to 250.
Longevity: 15/20 – With proper care, these engines can last for a long time, but they might need a little more attention than some of the others on this list.
Innovation: 10/15 – It wasn't the first V6, but it was one of the most beautiful and best-sounding.
Cool Factor: 19/10 – The Busso V6 is known for its incredible exhaust note, which is like music to a gearhead's ears.
Verdict: A true masterpiece of Italian engineering. It's an engine that appeals to both the head and the heart. The Busso V6 powered a wide variety of Alfa Romeo models, including the 156 GTA, GTV, and Spider.
25. Mercedes-Benz om617 (88 Points)
Reliability: 29/30 – They just don't quit. Stories of these engines going over a million miles are not uncommon.
Performance: 18/25 – It's not a speed demon, but it's got plenty of torque for towing or hauling.
Longevity: 20/20 – This is the king of longevity. It's not uncommon to see these engines still running strong after 500,000 miles.
Innovation: 10/15 – It's a simple, robust design that's built to last.
Cool Factor: 11/10 – It's got that old-school diesel charm. The om617 is known for its distinctive clatter and the smell of diesel exhaust, which some people find strangely appealing.
Verdict: A legend in the world of diesel engines. This engine was found in Mercedes-Benz's W123 and W126 models, cars known for their durability and luxury. If you want an engine that will run forever, the om617 is the one for you.
24. Ford 4.9L Inline 6 (89 Points)
Reliability: 28/30 – Ford tough, baby! These engines are known for their ability to take a beating and keep on ticking.
Performance: 19/25 – It's not a horsepower monster, but it's got plenty of torque down low, which makes it great for towing or off-roading.
Longevity: 18/20 – These engines can run for hundreds of thousands of miles with proper care.
Innovation: 9/15 – It's a simple, straightforward design that's built to last.
Cool Factor: 15/10 – It's the classic American workhorse engine.
Verdict: A true blue-collar hero. This engine was found in Ford's F-Series trucks and Broncos, vehicles known for their ruggedness and capability.
23. Toyota 2JZ GTE (90 Points)
Reliability: 25/30 – Toyota's legendary inline-6 is known for its bulletproof construction.
Performance: 24/25 – This engine is famous for its ability to handle massive amounts of boost and produce insane horsepower.
Longevity: 18/20 – With proper care, the 2JZ GTE can last for hundreds of thousands of miles, even with modifications.
Innovation: 11/15 – It's a classic twin-turbocharged design, but it's the engine's legendary strength and tuning potential that set it apart.
Cool Factor: 12/10 – This engine is an icon in the tuning world and is responsible for countless high-horsepower builds.
Verdict: A performance icon. The 2JZ GTE powered the legendary Toyota Supra, a car that has become a legend in the tuner world. It's an engine that can handle just about anything you throw at it.
22. Chrysler Slant 6 (91 Points)
Reliability: 29/30 - This engine is known for its ability to run smoothly and reliably, even under less than ideal conditions.
Performance: 17/25 – It's not the most powerful engine out there, but it's got plenty of torque down low and is incredibly fuel-efficient.
Longevity: 20/20 - These engines are known for their longevity, with many examples still running strong after half a million miles.
Innovation: 10/15 - Its unique slanted design allowed for a lower hood line and a more compact engine bay.
Cool Factor: 15/10 – It's a classic American engine with a unique design. The Chrysler slant 6 was found in a variety of vehicles, including the Dodge Dart, Plymouth Valiant, and Plymouth Barracuda.
Verdict: An underdog champion. The slant 6 is an engine that might not get a lot of attention, but it's a reliable and durable workhorse that deserves more recognition.
21. BMW M50 (92 Points)
Reliability: 25/30 – BMWs of this era are known for their robust construction, and the M50 is a solid engine.
Performance: 22/25 – The M50 was available in a variety of configurations, but even the base model was a fun and spirited engine to drive.
Longevity: 17/20 – With proper care, these engines can last for well over 200,000 miles.
Innovation: 12/15 – The M50 introduced BMW's VANOS variable valve timing system, which helped to improve both performance and fuel economy.
Cool Factor: 16/10 - It's a classic BMW inline-6 with a smooth, refined character.
Verdict: A well-rounded performer. The M50 was found in a variety of BMW models, including the E36 3 Series and the E34 5 Series. It's a great example of BMW's commitment to driving enjoyment.
20. Toyota U engine family (93 Points)
Reliability: 27/30 - Toyota's U engine family is known for its exceptional reliability.
Performance: 23/25 – These engines were available in a variety of configurations, but even the base model was a torquey and powerful engine.
Longevity: 18/20 - The U engines are known for their longevity, with many examples lasting well over 300,000 miles.
Innovation: 10/15 - These engines were designed for Toyota's luxury and high-performance vehicles, including the Lexus brand, and featured advanced technologies like VVT-i.
Cool Factor: 15/10 – A smooth and powerful V8 that's built to last. The U engine family powered a variety of Toyota and Lexus models, including the Lexus LS400, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Lexus LX470.
Verdict: A luxurious and powerful workhorse.
19. GM lsv8 (94 Points)
Reliability: 24/30 – GM's LS engines are known for being pretty tough, but they can have some issues with oil consumption and lifter noise.
Performance: 25/25 – These engines are all about horsepower. They're available in a wide range of displacements and configurations, and they can produce massive power.
Longevity: 17/20 – With proper care, these engines can last for a long time, but they might need a little more attention than some of the others on this list.
Innovation: 12/15 – The LS engine family introduced a number of new technologies to the V8 world, including aluminum blocks and heads and advanced engine management systems.
Cool Factor: 16/10 – It's the American V8 that can do it all. From muscle cars to trucks to sports cars, the LS engine can handle it.
Verdict: A true American icon. It's the go-to engine for hot rodders and performance enthusiasts, and it's a testament to GM's engineering prowess.
18. Honda K Series (95 Points)
Reliability: 27/30 – Honda engines are known for their reliability, and the K series is no exception.
Performance: 24/25 – These engines are known for their high-revving nature and their ability to produce impressive power.
Longevity: 18/20 – With proper care, these engines can last for a long time.
Innovation: 11/15 – The K series engines featured a number of advanced technologies, including Honda's i-VTEC variable valve timing system.
Cool Factor: 15/10 – It's the engine that powers some of Honda's most exciting cars, including the Civic Type R and the Integra Type R.
Verdict: A tuner's dream. These engines are incredibly popular in the aftermarket world, and they're known for their ability to handle significant modifications.
17. Toyota Jay-Z engine family (96 Points)
Reliability: 28/30 – The 1JZ and 2JZ engines are legendary for their durability and reliability.
Performance: 24/25 – These engines are known for their ability to handle huge amounts of boost and produce impressive horsepower.
Longevity: 18/20 - With proper care, these engines can last for hundreds of thousands of miles.
Innovation: 11/15 – These engines featured a number of advanced technologies for their time, including Toyota's VVT-i variable valve timing system and twin turbochargers.
Cool Factor: 15/10 – The 2JZ GTE is an icon in the tuning world and is responsible for countless high-horsepower builds.
Verdict: A legend in the making. This engine family, especially the 2JZ GTE, has achieved legendary status in the automotive world.
16. Toyota 22RE (97 Points)
Reliability: 29/30 - This little engine is practically indestructible. It can take a beating and keep on running.
Performance: 19/25 - It's not a powerhouse, but it's got plenty of torque for off-roading or hauling.
Longevity: 20/20 - This engine is known for its longevity, with many examples lasting well over 300,000 miles.
Innovation: 9/15 - It was one of the first mass-produced four-cylinder engines to feature electronic fuel injection, which helped to improve both performance and fuel economy.
Cool Factor: 10/10 - This engine is a favorite among off-road enthusiasts and is known for its reliability in harsh conditions. It powered the iconic Toyota Hilux pickup truck and the 4Runner SUV, vehicles known for their durability and off-road capability.
Verdict: A true survivor.
15. Ford ‘Voodoo’ Flat-Plane (98 Points)
Reliability: 24/30 – It's a relatively new engine, so its long-term reliability is still being assessed.
Performance: 24/25 – This engine is a high-revving monster, and it sounds absolutely incredible.
Longevity: 16/20 - It's a high-performance engine, so you can expect it to need a little more attention than a regular V8, but it should still last for a good while with proper care.
Innovation: 13/15 – It's one of the few flat-plane crank V8s available in a production car.
Cool Factor: 21/10 - This engine sounds like an exotic, and it gives the Mustang Shelby GT350 a truly unique character.
Verdict: A modern muscle car icon.
14. Nissan RB26DETT (99 Points)
Reliability: 26/30 – Nissan's RB series engines are known for their toughness, and the RB26DETT is no exception.
Performance: 25/25 - This engine is famous for its ability to handle massive amounts of boost and produce insane horsepower.
Longevity: 17/20 - With proper care, the RB26DETT can last for a long time, even with modifications.
Innovation: 12/15 – It was one of the first mass-produced Japanese engines to feature a twin-turbocharged setup.
Cool Factor: 19/10 – This engine is an icon in the tuning world and is responsible for countless high-horsepower builds.
Verdict: A Japanese legend.
13. Mitsubishi 4G63T (100 Points)
Reliability: 25/30 – Mitsubishi's 4G63T is a tough engine, but it can have some issues with crankwalk in high-horsepower applications.
Performance: 24/25 – This engine is famous for its ability to produce impressive power, especially with modifications.
Longevity: 18/20 – With proper care, these engines can last for a long time, even with modifications.
Innovation: 12/15 – It was one of the first mass-produced Japanese engines to feature a turbocharged setup.
Cool Factor: 21/10 - This engine powered the legendary Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, a car that has become an icon in the rally world.
Verdict: A rally legend.
12. BMW S63 (101 Points)
Reliability: 24/30 – BMW's modern V8s are incredibly powerful, but they can be a little complex and might require more maintenance than some of the other engines on this list.
Performance: 25/25 – This engine is a beast. It produces massive horsepower and torque, and it sounds incredible.
Longevity: 16/20 – With proper care, this engine should last for a good while, but it's still a relatively new engine, so its long-term durability remains to be seen.
Innovation: 13/15 – BMW's S63 is a technological marvel, featuring a number of advanced technologies, including twin turbochargers and direct injection.
Cool Factor: 23/10 – It's the engine that powers some of BMW's most exciting cars, including the M5 and the M8.
Verdict: A modern masterpiece.
11. Lexus 2UR-GSE (102 Points)
Reliability: 28/30 - Lexus engines are known for their reliability, and the 2UR-GSE is no exception.
Performance: 23/25 - This engine is a high-revving naturally-aspirated V8 that sounds fantastic.
Longevity: 18/20 - With proper care, this engine should last for a long time.
Innovation: 12/15 – It's a classic naturally aspirated V8 in a world that's increasingly going turbocharged and hybridized.
Cool Factor: 21/10 – This engine powers some of Lexus's most exciting cars, including the RC F and the LC 500.
Verdict: A naturally aspirated gem.
10. Porsche MDH.NA (103 Points)
Reliability: 25/30 – Porsches are generally reliable, but high-performance models can require a bit more maintenance than your average car.
Performance: 25/25 - This engine is a monster, producing 700 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged flat-six.
Longevity: 17/20 - It's a high-performance engine, so it will likely need a little more attention than a regular flat-six, but it should still last for a good while with proper care.
Innovation: 13/15 – It's a marvel of engineering, pushing the limits of what's possible from a turbocharged flat-six.
Cool Factor: 23/10 – This engine powers the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, one of the most capable and exciting sports cars ever made.
Verdict: A force of nature.
9. Ferrari F136 (104 Points)
Reliability: 24/30 – Ferraris require a certain level of care and maintenance, but the F136 is a solid engine.
Performance: 25/25 - This engine is a high-revving work of art, producing incredible power and a sound that will make your heart skip a beat.
Longevity: 16/20 - It's a high-performance engine, so you can expect it to need a little more attention than a regular V8, but it should still last for a good while with proper care.
Innovation: 13/15 - This engine features a number of advanced technologies, including a flat-plane crankshaft and a dry sump lubrication system.
Cool Factor: 26/10 – It's a Ferrari engine! It's the engine that powers some of Ferrari's most exciting cars, including the 458 Italia and the F430.
Verdict: A true Italian stallion.
8. Subaru EJ20 (105 Points)
Reliability: 22/30 - Subaru's EJ20 has a bit of a reputation for head gasket issues, but it's still a tough engine.
Performance: 24/25 - This engine is a rally legend, and it's known for its ability to produce impressive power.
Longevity: 17/20 - With proper care, these engines can last for a long time.
Innovation: 12/15 – It's a classic boxer engine that's known for its distinctive sound and its unique character.
Cool Factor: 30/10 – This engine powered the legendary Subaru Impreza WRX STI, a car that has become an icon in the rally world. It's an engine that's all about fun and excitement.
Verdict: A true cult classic.
7. Toyota 3S-GTE (106 Points)
Reliability: 28/30 - This engine is known for its bulletproof construction.
Performance: 23/25 – It's a turbocharged powerhouse that can produce impressive power.
Longevity: 18/20 – With proper care, the 3S-GTE can last for hundreds of thousands of miles.
Innovation: 12/15 – It was one of the first mass-produced Japanese engines to feature a turbocharged setup.
Cool Factor: 25/10 – This engine powered some of Toyota's most exciting cars, including the MR2 and the Celica GT-Four.
Verdict: A true performance bargain.
6. Honda F20C/F22C (107 Points)
Reliability: 28/30 – Honda's F series engines are known for their reliability.
Performance: 25/25 – These engines are known for their high-revving nature and their incredible power-to-liter ratio.
Longevity: 18/20 - With proper care, these engines can last for a long time.
Innovation: 13/15 – The F20C was one of the first mass-produced engines to achieve a specific output of over 100 horsepower per liter.
Cool Factor: 23/10 – This engine powered the Honda S2000, a car that's known for its incredible handling and its pure driving experience.
Verdict: A high-revving legend.
5. Dodge Supercharged Hemi (108 Points)
Reliability: 23/30 - The supercharged Hemi is a powerful engine, but it's also a complex one.
Performance: 25/25 – This engine is all about brute force. It produces massive horsepower and torque, and it sounds like thunder.
Longevity: 16/20 - It's a high-performance engine, so you can expect it to need a little more attention than a regular V8, but it should still last for a good while with proper care.
Innovation: 13/15 – It's a modern take on the classic Hemi engine, and it's a testament to American muscle.
Cool Factor: 31/10 – This engine powers the Dodge Challenger Hellcat and the Charger Hellcat, two of the most powerful and exciting muscle cars on the market today.
Verdict: A modern muscle car hero.
4. McLaren M838T / M840T (109 Points)
Reliability: 25/30 – McLaren is a relatively new automaker, but its engines have a good reputation for reliability.
Performance: 25/25 – These engines are incredibly powerful and efficient, and they sound fantastic.
Longevity: 16/20 - It's a high-performance engine, so you can expect it to need a little more attention than a regular V8, but it should still last for a good while with proper care.
Innovation: 13/15 – McLaren's M838T and M840T engines are at the cutting edge of V8 technology, featuring a number of advanced technologies, including a flat-plane crankshaft and a dry sump lubrication system.
Cool Factor: 30/10 - These engines power some of the most exciting supercars on the planet, including the McLaren 720S and the Senna.
Verdict: A technological tour de force.
3. GM Small Block LT1/LT2 (110 Points)
Reliability: 27/30 – GM's small-block V8s have been around forever, and they're known for their reliability.
Performance: 25/25 – These engines are powerful, efficient, and they sound great.
Longevity: 18/20 – With proper care, these engines can last for a very long time.
Innovation: 12/15 – The LT1 and LT2 are modern updates to the classic small-block V8, and they feature a number of advanced technologies.
Cool Factor: 28/10 – These engines power the Chevrolet Corvette, a true American icon.
Verdict: An American legend.
2. Porsche M97.74 (111 Points)
Reliability: 27/30 – Porsches are generally reliable, and the M97.74 is a solid engine.
Performance: 25/25 – This engine is a high-revving masterpiece, producing incredible power and a sound that will give you goosebumps.
Longevity: 18/20 – It's a high-performance engine, so you can expect it to need a little more attention than a regular flat-six, but it should still last for a good while with proper care.
Innovation: 13/15 – This engine features a number of advanced technologies, including a dry sump lubrication system and titanium connecting rods.
Cool Factor: 28/10 – It's the engine that powers the Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0, one of the most sought-after and track-focused sports cars ever made.
Verdict: A purist's dream.
1. Ferrari Colombo V12 (112 Points)
Reliability: 27/30 – It's a Ferrari, so it might need a little more TLC than some of the other engines on this list, but the Colombo V12 is known for being a solid engine.
Performance: 25/25 – This engine is a high-revving symphony of power and sound. It's a true masterpiece of Italian engineering.
Longevity: 18/20 – With proper care, these engines can last for a very long time.
Innovation: 13/15 – The Colombo V12 was one of the first mass-produced V12 engines, and it set the standard for high-performance V12s for decades to come.
Cool Factor: 29/10 – It's a Ferrari V12! It's the engine that powers some of Ferrari's most iconic cars, including the 250 GTO and the Daytona.
Verdict: The ultimate Italian icon. The Colombo V12 is a true legend in the automotive world, and it's an engine that will forever be remembered for its incredible performance, its beautiful sound, and its iconic status.
So there you have it, boys! My take on the top 30 engines ever made. Now, I know you might disagree with some of my choices, and that's okay! Everyone's got their favorites. But one thing's for sure: these engines are all incredible feats of engineering, and they've all played a part in shaping the automotive world as we know it.
