What are the advantages and disadvantages of the internal combustion engine?
August 08, 2025Most of you have probably driven in a car or ridden on a bike. An internal combustion engine is the heart of a lot of power. For years, the vehicles have operated due to internal combustion engine technologies.
For this reason, it still has application in billions of devices today. In this blog, you will learn its main pros and cons. By the conclusion, you will see its relevance.
Understanding ICE Technology
An internal combustion engine (ICE) is an engine that generates power. It operates by means of burning fuel internally. Air is mixed with fuel. Then, air is combusted in a confined space called the combustion chamber. This process results in the production of hot gases.
These gases exert force on sections of the engine. That force causes movement. Thus, the engine consumes fuel to enable some component to be put into motion. In simple words, it burns fuel to produce energy, which powers vehicles like cars, bikes, and many different machines.
Main Types of Combustion Engine
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A two-stroke engine operates in two sequential steps. It is quick and compact, powering scooters and lawn tools like chainsaws.
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A four-stroke engine performs the same function in four steps. It is smoother and more powerful, making it the preferred choice in most cars and bikes.
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Fuel-Type Engines: Gasoline (SPARK IGNITION): Uses spark plugs to ignite the fuel-air mix. Also, diesel engine(COMPRESSION IGNITION): Relies on high pressure and temperature to ignite diesel without the use of spark plugs.
Typical Sizes of Engines
Different types of engines can be found in varying sizes. The smaller types can be found in model cars and toys, while the bigger types are found in cars and other vehicles.
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1 oz – used in tiny models
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2 oz – used in more powerful cars for children
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3.25 oz – used for fast racing models
Advantages of Internal Combustion Engines
There are several positive points to internal combustion engine model. I would like to go through each of them.
High Power, Small Size
First of all, ICEs offer you exceptional performance for their size and weight. This is referred to as a high power-to-weight ratio. That means the engine does not have to use a lot of weight to generate a lot of power.
Therefore, it can be placed into a car, a bike, or even a lawnmower. That is useful for devices that require speed and the ability to carry weight.
Good Fuel Efficiency
Furthermore, a large number of modern ICEs are more economical with fuel use. This is known as fuel thermal efficiency. It indicates the value of the output in relation to the fuel consumed. A limited number of engines can achieve efficiencies of 50% or higher.
The efficiency of the majority of automobile engines falls within the range of 20% to 40%.
Can Run on Different Fuels
Another big advantage is flexibility in fuel types. Internal combustion engines (ICEs) do not depend on a single fuel source. They can utilize gasoline, diesel, LPG, natural gas, and even biofuels as sources of energy.
This is beneficial for you as it resourcefully expands options in areas with less fuel variety. You are able to select the fuel that is inexpensive, accessible, or more environmentally friendly.
Easy and Fast Refueling
Moreover, an ICE vehicle can be refueled quickly. Unlike electric vehicle charging stations, this does not require any long waiting periods. You simply pull into a fueling station, fuel your vehicle, and leave. It's normally under 5 minutes. This is advantageous if you're pressed for time or on a lengthy drive.
Well-Known and Trusted Technology
For the past century, ICEs have been utilized. Due to this, the technology is well established and reliable. Professionals know how to create and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Replacement components can be acquired from any location.
No special equipment is required, and no special skills are necessary to work on them. In addition, the cost of constructing them is lower than that of new electric or hybrid systems.
Easy to Support and Maintain
Finally, internal combustion engines remain widely accepted around the world. Almost everywhere, one can find service stations, mechanics, spare parts, and even fuel. This simplifies the cost of maintenance and optimizes the cost of owning and utilizing these engines.
You will probably still find someone who is able to repair your engine even in distant locations.
Quora user Philip Gyimah stated that the IC engine has benefited society greatly. Initially, ICEs transitioned society from horse-based transportation to modern vehicles. After that, they enhanced transportation efficiency and convenience.
In addition, they transformed agriculture, mining, and construction with ICE-powered machines. Moreover, ICEs help industries with additional power support. Because of all this, he believes ICEs transformed history. Still, he doesn’t think ICEs will disappear anytime soon.
Rather, he says these will most likely coexist with EVs for many years to come. Nevertheless, he had some negative aspects to share as well. For instance, ICEs cause air and water pollution. Additionally, they have a huge dependency on fossil fuels.
Furthermore, they contribute to noise pollution and increase the price of fuel. Finally, he suggested that they may contribute to traffic accidents, and even aid in criminal getaways.
Disadvantages of the Internal Combustion Engine
Although internal combustion engines have several advantages, they also have their disadvantages. Knowing both sides will allow you to make informed decisions. In this section, we will discuss the major drawbacks:
Causes Air Pollution: Combustion engines release carbon dioxide (CO₂) when they burn fuel. This gas results in retaining heat and contributes to global warming. Indeed, automobiles and heavy-duty vehicles are responsible for a significant portion of this pollution.
Gases Can Harm Health: However, CO₂ isn’t the only concern. Internal combustion engines (ICEs) further emit hazardous compounds such as nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), carbon monoxide, and fine particulate matter. These substances can harm your lungs and contaminate the air. The consequences of diesel engines are even worse.
They Create Dust Too: Even while the engine is not operational and fuel is not being consumed, it is still releasing emissions. Brakes, tires, and roads release dust particles into the atmosphere. This is referred to as non-exhaust emissions. This type of emissions is predicted to be the leading cause of traffic-related air pollution in the year 2050.
They Waste Fuel: Another concern is energy waste. Exhaust from Internal Combustion Engines has fuel, but much of that energy is spent on heat or friction. Only a small fraction is converted into energy. They use inefficient combustion engines, thus requiring more fuel to do the same work.
Make Noise and Shake: Engines gradually become noisy and shaky. They also lose efficiency and become more worn down over time. Engines need consistent attention, like oil changes and repairs.
Conclusion
To sum up, internal combustion engines give a reliable source of power and provide you with a seamless experience. On the other hand, these engines contribute to environmental pollution and increase the cost of fuel.
Thus, for you as the owner, it becomes crucial to balance the advantages with the disadvantages. At EngineDIY, we offer high-quality internal combustion engine model kits giving you the opportunity to delve into ICE technology firsthand.