X-Nico

unusual facts about engine displacement


Automotive engineering

Engine performance is looking for maximum displacement (bigger, more power), while fuel economy is looking for a smaller displacement engine (ex: 1.4 L vs. 5.4 L).


Enrico Bernardi

In 5 August 1882 he prototyped the “Motrice Pia”, the first petrol combustion engine (one cylinder, 121.6 displacement), almost at the same time as German Karl Benz.


see also

1966 Monaco Grand Prix

It was the opening round of the 1966 Formula One season, the first of a new era for Formula One, the 'return to power' as engine regulations were altered from 1.5 litres of maximum engine displacement to 3.0 litres.

Ferrari 156 F1

The Ferrari 156 was a racecar made by Ferrari in 1961 to comply with then-new Formula One regulations that reduced engine displacement from 2.5 to 1.5 litres, similar to the pre-1961 Formula Two class for which Ferrari had developed a mid-engined car also called 156.

Ferrari 550

The model number refers to total engine displacement (5.5 litres) and the model name of Maranello refers to the town where the Ferrari headquarters are located.