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

566 views

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

15 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

If you convert a source of energy to some sort of motion, you’re a motor. If you can also convert that motion into an action, such as powering a mill or better yet mounting yourself on a rolling frame and trundling down the road, you’re an engine.

Edit: I found definitions that both agree with this, or say a motor is electric and an engine is combustion. Whatever.

You are viewing 1 out of 15 answers, click here to view all answers.