eli5: What (if any) is the difference between an engine and a motor?

Question

I’ve heard these words used interchangeably over the years, with engine being more prevalent. Is there any difference? Why is a small gas-driven device like a lawnmower commonly said to have a motor, while what is under the hood of a car is almost always referred to as an engine?

In: 160

Answer 1

When referring to gas cars, they can both be used and mean exactly the same thing. But for electric cars, they have an electric motor, not an engine.