motor versus engine

Robert Gregory

Recruit
Joined
Jul 2, 2006
Messages
5
if a engine is supposed to be fueled by gas or deisel
and motors are supposed to be powered by electicity
why then is a boats motor not called a engine
or why is detriot called the motor city if they make cars there
 

Reel Poor

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jan 29, 2005
Messages
5,522
Re: motor versus engine

Your just,,,,,,,Your just trying to,,,,,,,,,Your uh,,,,,,,,,Your just trying to confuse me.......Aint cha ? ? ? ? ?
 

KRS

Banned
Joined
May 15, 2004
Messages
2,383
Re: motor versus engine

It's gotta be the French's fault.... somehow 8)
 

rottenray6402

Ensign
Joined
Jul 27, 2004
Messages
923
Re: motor versus engine

If all of this is true why do they call it a steam engine? I'm getting a headache.:^
 

aspeck

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
May 29, 2003
Messages
19,100
Re: motor versus engine

Thanks Robert, my head hurts now. Where are my meds? :%
 

rangerbassman

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 8, 2006
Messages
34
Re: motor versus engine

The "engine" is on top of a boat "motor", but they call IT a "powerhead". How confusing is that?
 

rickdb1boat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 23, 2002
Messages
11,195
Re: motor versus engine

I relate motors with electrical types. Trolling Motor, 1/3 HP Blower Motor, Rewind Motor, Etc. Mechanical seems to warrant the engine rating...

The definition is: A motor is a machine that converts some form of energy into mechanical energy

Engine: An engine is something that produces some effect from a given input

Maybe I have it all wrong....8)
 

Barnacle_Bill

Admiral
Joined
Feb 8, 2004
Messages
6,469
Re: motor versus engine

Dave said:
Why do we drive in a parkway and park in a driveway? :/ ;)

That is after you motor on an interstate highway in Hawaii to check out your motor.
 

CN Spots

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Oct 19, 2005
Messages
1,612
Re: motor versus engine

This is my rifle, this is my gun...


spots
 

Dunaruna

Admiral
Joined
May 2, 2003
Messages
6,027
Re: motor versus engine

[colour=blue]Why isn't the word 'phonetic' spelled phonetically?
 

imported_KLR

Cadet
Joined
Jun 28, 2006
Messages
16
Re: motor versus engine

I don't believe an engine has to burn gas or diesel.

An engine consumes "some type" of fuel and CREATES energy.
So an engine could be steam (burning coal / wood)
gasoline, diesel, propane, kerosene, alcohol..ect...ect

A motor just converts one type of energy to another.
Such as electrical energy to kinetic energy

So your outboard is an engine and your trolling motor IS a motor.
 

ZmOz

Captain
Joined
Aug 13, 2003
Messages
3,949
Re: motor versus engine

KLR said:
An engine consumes "some type" of fuel and CREATES energy.

A motor just converts one type of energy to another.
Such as electrical energy to kinetic energy

Energy cannot be created. This is a law of physics. An engine is just converting one type of energy to another when it is consuming gas.

As for one word over the other, they mean exactly the same thing. (at least when you're talking about devices that spin when you input energy of any form)
 

ricksrster

Commander
Joined
Jun 19, 2005
Messages
2,022
Re: motor versus engine

mo-tor n.

1. Something, such as a machine or an engine, that produces or imparts motion.
2. A device that converts any form of energy into mechanical internalcombustion, especially an internal-combustion engine or an arrangement of coils and magnets that converts electric current into mechanical power.
3. A motor “It, especially an automobile: “It was a night of lovers. All along the highway... motors were parked and dim revery” were clasped in revery” (Sinclair Lewis).


adj.

1. Causing or producing motion: motor power.
2. Driven by or having a motor.
3. Of or for motors or motor vehicles: motor oil.
4. Of, relating to, or designating nerves that carry impulses from the nerve centers to the muscles.
5. Involving or relating to movements of the muscles: motor coordination; a motor reflex.
En'-gine n.

1.
1. A machine that converts energy into mechanical force or motion.
springdriven 2. Such a machine distinguished from an electric, spring-driven, or hydraulic motor by its use of a fuel.
2.
1. A mechanical appliance, instrument, or tool: engines of war.
2. An agent, instrument, or means of accomplishment.
3. A locomotive.
4. A fire engine.
necessarily 5. Computer Science. A search engine.

Therefore maybe a engine could be a motor, but a motor may not neccessarily be an engine.
 

robpoe

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 6, 2004
Messages
118
Re: motor versus engine

why is it a pair of panties, and just one bra
why do our feet smell and our nose run

I've always called petrol powered devices engines, and electric powered devices motors.

although being lazy, i do call engines motors...
 
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