Wards100: Engines With Greatest Impact 1924-2024

As part of marking Wards 100th anniversary, we decided it would be appropriate that we offer readers something to debate and argue about.

We created a survey, looking at each decade WardsAuto has been operating, to try to determine the most impactful engine/propulsion system per decade since the 1920s.

What follows are the winners and the number-two choices based on the votes of our jury of selectors: Senior Editor David Kiley; former Editor-in-Chief and Contributor Drew Winter; Wards Contributor Gary Vasilash; Autoline Publisher and Wards Contributor John McElroy; Headlight News Editor and Publisher and Wards Contributor Paul Eisenstein; and Matt DeLorenzo, former editor of Road & Track and Autoweek, and current Editor-in-Chief of TightwadGarage.com.

What does “impactful” mean? In short, it is the engine/propulsion system that made the biggest splash, either in its importance to a very successful vehicle’s longevity, performance and efficiency, as well as influencing what rivals produced.

1920s

Winner
Ford Model T: The Model T’s 2.9L inline-4: Henry Ford finally hit paydirt with his 1909 Model T. Its 20-hp, 2.9L 4-cyl. was engineered for low-cost manufacturing and shade-tree servicing. Contrary to convention, the T’s powerplant combined four cylinders and the upper half of its crankcase in one casting. To save complication, internal parts were lubricated by gravity and splash; coolant was circulated by a thermosiphon effect. The Model T’s 2.9L inline-4 was simple, durable and mass-produced, contributing to the widespread adoption of automobiles in America.

“Not only did the Model T revolutionize personal mobility, but the engine was a feat of smart engineering and those engines got recycled into other uses after the Model T bodies had started to fall apart. The engines in many cases outlasted the car,” says Kiley.

Runner-Up
Chevrolet Stovebolt Six: Introduced in 1929, Chevrolet's Stovebolt Six was an inline-6 that offered smoother performance and greater power compared to many contemporary engines. Its design influenced subsequent inline-6 engines and played a role in Chevrolet’s rise as a major automotive manufacturer. Chevrolet had long been known for its “valve-in-head” design in the previous 4-cyl., so General Manager William S. Knudsen and marketing executive Richard Grant insisted that the new 6-cyl. design also use overhead valves. The new engine was mockingly called the “Cast-Iron Wonder” and “Stovebolt Six” for its seemingly old-fashioned design, but it was famously advertised as “a six for the price of a four” to great success.

1930s

Winner
Ford Flathead V-8: Henry Ford, having vaulted access to mobility forward with the Model T, rocked the motoring world again with speed for the masses: the industry's first affordable V-8. Similar to his Model T engine, this 1932 65-hp, 3.6L design had breakthrough engineering advances including a forged-steel crankshaft, aluminum pistons, babbited bearings, a single-piece cylinder block and rubber mounting.

Both John Dillinger and Clyde Barrow took a break from crime to write letters of appreciation. The Ford Flathead V-8 was every hot-rodder’s engine of choice for two decades.

Runner-Up
Alfa-Romeo 8C: The 8C engine, which first entered at the 1931 Mille Miglia road race through Italy, had a common crankcase, with two alloy four-cylinder blocks, which also incorporated the heads. There was no separate head, and no head gasket to fail. The 8C engine powered two models, the 8C 2300 (1931–1935) and the even more rare and expensive 8C 2900 (1936–1941).

The 8C proved itself the winning car of its era, winning straight from its first outing at the 1932 Italian Grand Prix. It went on to win the 24 Hour of LeMans in 1931, 1932, 1933 and 1934.

1940s

Winner
Willys-Overland “Go Devil”: The Jeep Willys, particularly the Willys MB model used during World War II, was powered by the “Go Devil” engine. This was a 2.2L (134 cu. in.) inline 4-cyl. developed by Willys-Overland. The Go Devil engine produced around 60 hp and 105 lb.-ft. (142 Nm) of torque. It was renowned for its durability and reliability, making it a key component of the Jeep’s legendary performance during the war.

Runner-Up
Dodge T-137: While primarily a truck engine, the Dodge T-137 inline 6-cyl. was significant during World War II as it powered various military vehicles such as the Dodge WC series trucks. These trucks played crucial roles in logistics, transportation and support during the war.

1950s

Winner
Chevrolet Small-Block V-8: The Chevy small-block V-8, introduced in 1955, marked a pivotal moment in automotive history, particularly for General Motors. This engine, designed by Chevrolet engineer Ed Cole, quickly became renowned for its compact size, lightweight construction and remarkable performance. It featured an overhead valve design and a displacement of 265 cu.-ins., later increasing to 283 cu.-ins. The small-block V-8’s affordability and reliability revolutionized the American car market, providing unprecedented power and efficiency to a wide range of vehicles. Its versatility allowed it to be used in everything from family sedans to high-performance sports cars, contributing to the rise of the muscle-car era. By setting new standards in performance and engineering, the Chevy small-block V-8 not only boosted Chevrolet’s reputation but also influenced engine design across the automotive industry, cementing its legacy as one of the most significant engines of the 1950s.

Runner-Up

Volkswagen Type 1 Flat-4: While the Volkswagen Type 1, also known as the Beetle, was introduced in the 1930s, its engine underwent significant advancements in the 1950s. The air-cooled flat 4-cyl. was refined for improved performance, reliability and fuel efficiency, contributing to the Beetle's widespread popularity and enduring legacy. World War II delayed Beetle production until 1945, but when Germany regained control of the Wolfsburg plant in 1948, the country had the perfect car for austere times. Production of the original Type 1 Beetle ended in Mexico in 2019.

1960s

Winner
Porsche Flat-6: Born in 1964, Porsche’s original flat 6-cyl. – a design commonly known as “boxer” because of its opposed pistons – thrust Ferdinand Porsche, father of the Volkswagen Beetle engine, into the competitive arena of sports and racing. It was a leap from the 911’s 130-hp, 2.0L trim at the 1963 Frankfurt auto show to the engine’s 190-hp competition debut at a Paris 1,000-km (625-mile) race only a year later. The addition of turbocharging for both street and track, and four Le Mans 24 Hour victories, helped boost street output over the 400-hp mark by 1997.

“This engine is the kind that racers love because they are lightweight and powerful,” says DeLorenzo. “It really is a thing of beauty.”

Runner-Up
Chevrolet Small-Block V-8: Continuing its significance from the 1950s, the Chevrolet Small-Block V-8 remained a dominant force in the 1960s. Versions like the 327- and 350-cu.-in. iterations powered numerous Chevrolet models, including the Corvette, Camaro and Chevelle. The small-block V-8’s compact size, lightweight design and abundant power made it a favorite for both street and track applications.

1970s

Winner
Honda CVCC: In 1975, the auto industry was scrambling to meet 1980 emission standards. Fortunately, General Motors had just spent five years perfecting the industry’s first catalytic converters. But at Honda, an eight-man team needed only one year to meet Clean Air Act requirements with an ingenious Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion (CVCC) 4-cyl. Instead of using a catalytic converter to cleanse the exhaust stream, a three-valve combustion chamber minimized pollution formation inside the engine. CVCC’s lineal descendant is a 2.3L VTEC (Variable valve timing and lift electronic control) 4-cyl. that helped the Accord earn the first Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) certification in California.

Runner-Up
BMW M10: The BMW M10 engine family, introduced in the late 1960s and produced throughout the 1970s, was significant for its role in powering various BMW models, including the standard-setting 2002, 3-Series and 5-Series. Known for its smoothness, reliability and performance, the inline 4-cyl. M10 helped establish BMW as a producer of driver-focused, sporty automobiles.

1980s

Winner
Honda D Series: Introduced in the early 1980s, the Honda D Series engine family included variants such as the D15 and D16. These engines powered various Honda models, including the Civic, CRX and Accord. Known for their efficiency, durability and smoothness, the D Series engines helped solidify Honda’s reputation for building fuel-efficient and reliable vehicles.

“This is really a golden era for Honda,” says Winter.

Runner-Up
BMW M20: Introduced in the early 1980s, the BMW M20 engine family included variants such as the M20B20 and M20B25. These inline 6-cyl. engines powered various BMW models, including the 3-Series and 5-Series. Known for their smoothness, refinement and reliability, the M20 engines helped reinforce BMW’s reputation for building sporty and luxurious cars.

1990s

Winner
Honda B16A: This 1.6L 4-cyl. was introduced in 1989 but gained significant popularity during the 1990s. It was used in Honda Civic and Acura Integra models. The B16A was renowned for its high-revving nature, excellent power output per liter and potential for aftermarket modifications.

Runner-Up
Toyota 1JZ-GTE: Introduced in 1990, the 1JZ-GTE was a 2.5L inline 6-cyl. with a twin-turbocharger setup. It was used in various Toyota models, including the Toyota Chaser, Soarer and Supra. The engine’s robust design and potential for tuning made it highly popular among enthusiasts.

2000s

Winner
Toyota Prius Hybrid Synergy Drive: The Toyota Prius, introduced in 2000, featured Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system, combining a gasoline engine with an electric motor. This innovative hybrid powertrain set new standards for fuel efficiency and sustainability, paving the way for the widespread adoption of hybrid technology.

“When Toyota first introduced this engine, the critics said it was too complex and would break often, but that underestimated Toyota’s ability to produce complex engine tech in a reliable, high-quality way,” says Winter.

“It was a great idea at exactly the right time,” says DeLorenzo.

Runner-Up
Honda K-series: Honda’s K-series engines, including variants like the K20 and K24, were introduced in the early 2000s and powered various Honda and Acura models such as the Civic Si, RSX and Accord. These engines featured advanced technologies like i-VTEC (intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control), delivering excellent performance and fuel efficiency.

2010s

Winner
Tesla Electric: Tesla’s electric powertrains, including those used in models like the Model S, Model X and Model 3, played a crucial role in popularizing battery-electric vehicles and pushing the boundaries of range, performance and charging infrastructure. Tesla’s electric drivetrains showcased the potential for BEVs to compete with traditional internal-combustion engines. Tesla jumped ahead of all other auto companies scaling up production of and generating consumer interest in BEVs.

Runner-Up
Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive (Third Generation): Toyota continued to refine its Hybrid Synergy Drive system in models like the Prius, Camry Hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid. These powertrains combined gasoline engines with electric motors to deliver improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and seamless hybrid operation. Toyota’s hybrid powertrain is the global gold standard for hybrids.

2020s

Winner
Tesla Electric: Tesla continues to lead the battery-electric vehicle market with its innovative electric powertrains. Models like the Model S, Model 3, Model X and Model Y feature powerful electric motors, advanced battery technology and sophisticated power management systems, setting high standards for range, acceleration and energy efficiency.

“Not only did Tesla develop a great electric drivetrain, but its work on battery packs and establishing long range, and then the charging infrastructure buildout, has made it the leader in the electrification era,” says DeLorenzo.

Runner-Up
Hyundai/Kia Electric: Hyundai and Kia have made significant strides in electric-vehicle technology with models like the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV. These vehicles offer competitive range, performance and value, contributing to the broader adoption of electric vehicles in the mainstream market.