Why do similar engines have wildly different specs?

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Why does a Porsche Flat 6 with 256 cu in able to push 500 horsepower, while the AMC 258 Flat 6 in my Jeep barely hitting 100 horse power? The Porsche flat 6 feels right at home up to 8000 rpm, while the AMC 258 is screaming by 4000. Why can do engines with very similar blocks be so different performance wise?

I am talking about naturally aspirated of course.

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3 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Because all you are looking at is displacement.

There are a lot of factors that effect the power output of a motor. Displacement is only one of them. Another important factor is compression and stroke length. There is also the machining to reduce internal resistances, valve placement/design, porting, exhaust design, intake design, and ECU mapping.

Maximizing the performance of all of these takes a lot of time and effort.

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