Triumphrat

SlowPocono

It isn’t my intention to start another debate as to whether or not it is correct to refer to the power plant in an automobile as a motor instead of an engine. I’m prepared to concede that dictionaries and engineers generally define them as synonymous. It’s also clear to me that almost everyone in the automotive media, verbally or in print uses the term motor to describe the thing that makes the car go.

I know that this has not always been the case. In my youth cars and trucks and aircraft had engines. Even motorcycles used engines. The term outboard motor was used too, but as soon as the actual power source was discussed, it became an engine. Motors were things for sewing machines, windshield wipers and electric trolley cars.

I still remember the first time someone said to me that he “broke the motor in his car”. It was difficult not to laugh in at him. I know that when I later told my friends about it we all did laugh.

It still bothers me a lot when someone says motor instead of engine. I mean it really makes me cringe.

When did this change in usage take place?
WHY did it happen?
How can I learn to live with it and overcome this hang-up?

kdrake

It is getting more common for "everyman" to know nothing about mechanics, hence referring to things with the wrong name. It bothers me because I don't know what they really mean. I think originally it had to do with how the power was harnessed but will have to look in the dictionary later. Another one that bothers me is bullet for cartridge.

danf_florida

Darn! I no longer have a motorcycle. (but "Enginecycle" doesn't sound quite correct)...

Seriously, if can you imagine someone talking to you in your second language (spanish, german), and translate what is being said to your first language, I think you can overcome.

__________________
2005 TBA, AI removed, debaffled pipes, added tach, leather saddle bags, backrest, and luggage rack, K&N Air Filter.

HiDesert

That's far more clear-cut. A cartridge contains the bullet, which comes out of the muzzle upon firing.

Engines vs. motors isn't nearly as solid a distinction to me. Motor, when free of context, has a more electric connotation to me, but then again I've never heard a vehicle manufacturer call themselves an engine company, but lots of them include motor in their names. And when you get down to the physical principles underlying engines/motors (engors?) the terms are used pretty interchangeably as well; type in "thermodynamic motor" into Wikipedia and it redirects you to "heat engine."

More wikipedia quotes: "An engine is something that produces an effect from a given input." "Thermodynamic motor or heat engine, a machine that converts heat into mechanical motion"

Sounds pretty interchangeable to me, although when you specify internal combustion, you always hear it followed by "engine."

But why overcome the hangup? Enjoy it! If you can't even allow yourself the joy of griping about this sort of thing, then the supply of fun's just about used up. :razz:

__________________
I won't stop riding because you tell me about someone who died in an accident, just as I won't stop eating because someone died of e.coli.

HiDesert's ride photos

jp99tbirdnm

Enginecycle I like that! :razz:

__________________
I'd rather live one day as a Lion than 1000 years as a sheep.
Jerry
99 Triumph Thunderbird
2006 Rocket III
2005 H-D XLC 1200 Custom

Normandy

I tend to use motor for electric and engine for internal combustion. Don't call a ship a boat in front of a sailor either. :-D

Wombat

'Internal Combustion Motor' doesn't sound right either.

__________________
Bob

Click to see My Photo Album

Age is of no importance, unless you are a cheese.

brolane

Normandy, I would not call a ship a boat in aft of a sailor, either. Lets face it, the English language has been raped, and my dad always taught me, "When rape is inevitable, relax and enjoy it.

__________________
Matter can neither be created or destroyed, but it can be lost.

Tbirdnz

I believe the term motor when used on a car is used to describe the entire vehicle as in my motor. I ascribe the saying as an English (as in England) description.

What comes to mind is the guy Arthur Daley in the TV series 'Minder', he always refered to his Jag as his 'motor'.

One would say "I was motoring down the road" rather than, "I was engining down the road".


------------------
Ride on !

Archimedes

TB is correct. Also a motorised vehicle. Or a motor boat. Or a mechanically propelled vehicle.

Engine may also refer to other non petrol propelled engines such as a steam engine or a propane propelled engine.

In fact you could play silly buggers all night long until you reach the question that brainless philosophers spend hours discussing:'What is the meaning of mean'?

Meantime.....beans on toast is more enjoyable.

I mean to say.......!

:razz: