Ward’s releases annual Top 10 engine list
Posted Dec 10, 2005, 3:00 PM ET by Eric Bryant
Ward’s has been issuing its “Top 10 Engines” list for a dozen years now, and this year’s list, like others, is filled with internal combustion goodness. In alphabetical order:
Audi 2L FSI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Audi A3)
Audi 4.2L DOHC V-8 (Audi S4)
BMW 3L DOHC I-6 (330i)
DCX 5.7L Hemi Magnum OHV V-8 (Dodge Charger R/T)
Ford 4.6L SOHC V-8 (Mustang GT)
GM 2L supercharged DOHC I-4 (Chevrolet Cobalt SS)
GM 2.8L turbocharged DOHC V-6 (Saab 9-3 Aero)
Mazda 2.3L DISI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Mazdaspeed 6)
Nissan 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Infiniti G35 6MT)
Toyota 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Lexus IS 350)
My comments follow below…
The first three are difficult to disagree with - they’re great engines. DCX’s Hemi combines high output with cylinder deactivation, so I understand why it makes the list instead of GM’s LS2 or GenIV truck engines. But the FoMoCo 3-valve 4.6L Mod motor? In no way should that be on this list instead of the LS2 - that is, unless one favors a larger, heavy, more complex engine that makes 25% less power. GM’s supercharged Ecotec is an interesting choice; I personally would have gone for DCX’s turbocharged 2.4L from the SRT4, or Mitsubishi’s 2.0L 4G63 from the Lancer EVO. GM’s twin-turbo 2.8L V6 disappoints me just a bit from a power standpoint, but maybe it performs better than its numbers would indicate. Mazda’s turbo 2.3L is indeed impressive, so I have no qualms about its inclusion. No issues with the last two engines on the list, as they’re an impressive pair of V6s, but the Acura RL’s 3.5L V6 does seem left out. And where’s the light-truck diesels, which offer an impressive combination of economy, durability, and power?
Keeping in mind that the engine had to be available in a vehicle with a retail price under $52K, what do you think should have made this year’s list?
http://wardsauto.com/ar/auto_wards_names_best/index.htm