Engine size

What is engine size?

If you’re looking at cars on a website like Autotrader, you’ll see an engine size mentioned like this:

The 1.5L is a measure of the engine size. Generally, car engines can fall into the below categories:

• Small: 1.0L – 1.3L
• Medium: 1.4L – 1.8L
• Large: 1.8L+

In general, the bigger the engine, the more power your car has.

Benefits of bigger engines

• Car accelerates more quickly.
• When driving at high speeds, you don’t feel like the car is straining or struggling. The car feels quiet and smooth.
• Car climbs hills and inclines more easily.

Drawbacks of bigger engines

• Your car falls into the higher insurance groups so insurance will cost more.
• Bigger engines burn more fuel so you’ll need to fuel up more which increases running costs.
• Bigger engines increase your road tax liability. Repairs and services can also cost more.