Are you in the market for a car? Whether you're buying new or used, there are many factors to consider, from cabin space to boot space, from reliability to acceleration. But engine size is also a key aspect to mull over - you need the right unit for your needs.

For example, a 1.0-litre engine could be ideal for urban commutes, but less well-suited to regular high-speed motorway trips - and a bad option for towing a trailer!

Best car engine size for...

Short urban trips; school runs

For errands in town - such as dropping the kids off at school or doing the weekly shop, an engine of between 1.0 and 1.4 litres should be more than enough.

These smaller engines are more fuel-efficient - and are ideal for urban start/stop driving.

Towing large trailers

Do you plan to tow heavy trailers on a regular basis? If so, a 2.0-litre engine would be best - of the four, six or even eight-cylinder varieties.

A diesel unit might also be a good option.

While diesels have fallen out of favour in recent years, they still return excellent MPG figures and are well-suited to towing, thanks to the high amount of low-end torque they deliver.

Frequent motorway trips

Perhaps you need to cover long distances as part of your work, or maybe you plan to take frequent weekend breaks in distant corners of the country? If so, you'll ideally need an engine sized from 1.4 litres to 2.0 litres, because you'll be on the motorway network a great deal.

Whilst the minimum engine size for motorway driving for a combustion engine is 50cc, a larger engine is more suitable for motorway driving.

Bigger engines can better handle the rigours of the motorway - such as overtaking. And because bigger engines are built for higher speeds, you may well find them to be more fuel-efficient than smaller-engine cars, since they won't be put under as much strain.

That said, driving a car with a 1 litre engine on a motorway is perfectly permissible, and although lacking the acceleration power of vehicles with larger engines, should handle fine for manoeuvres such as overtaking lorries.

High-performance driving

If you enjoy quick acceleration, growling engines and high speeds (within relevant limits), you may be drawn to a larger engine, such as the 5.0 litre unit in the Ford Mustang. However, you don’t necessarily need a large engine to enjoy high performance. For example, the Ford Fiesta ST with 1.6-litre EcoBoost produces 197 horsepower and 177 ft-lb of torque - and as a consequence has been called Ford's most thrilling car.

What about turbocharging?

Turbocharged engines are now often used in smaller cars, helping them deliver better MPG figures. Generally speaking, turbocharged engines deliver the same power as a naturally aspirated engine that is 50% larger.

Some carmakers have even replaced their larger non-turbocharged engines with smaller turbocharged units since they produce so much power.

Best litre engine for first car?

For first-time car buyers the best litre engine for a first car is typically between 1.0 and 1.4 litres. These engines can usually offer better affordability and fuel efficiency and can make driving easier.

Smaller engines are also ideal for city driving and short commutes, offering low running costs and sufficient power for most day-to-day needs.

Additionally, cars with smaller engines often have lower insurance premiums, which is ideal if you're a first-time driver.

Find out about the various UK car insurance groups

Environmental Considerations

When choosing an engine size, environmental impact may be something you want to take into consideration. Smaller engines tend to emit less CO2 and are more fuel-efficient, making them more eco-friendly.

On the other hand, larger engines produce higher emissions, particularly in urban areas where stop/start driving is common. Turbocharged smaller engines can strike a balance by offering high performance while minimising fuel consumption and emissions.

Pros and cons of larger engines

Pros of larger engines

• Power and performance: Larger engines provide higher horsepower and torque, making them ideal for towing, overtaking, and high-speed motorway driving.
• Durability: Built to handle higher workloads, they often last longer when well-maintained.
• Better at sustained speeds: Larger engines perform efficiently at higher speeds, reducing strain during long-distance motorway trips.
• Smooth performance: They often deliver a smoother and quieter ride, especially under heavy loads.
  
  

Cons of larger engines

• Higher running costs: Larger engines consume more fuel, leading to increased costs over time.
• Greater emissions: These engines produce more CO2, impacting the environment and increasing taxes in emission-regulated areas.
• Expensive maintenance: Repairs and parts for larger engines can be more costly.
• Less fuel efficiency in urban driving: Stop/start driving in cities leads to higher fuel consumption compared to smaller engines.

For those prioritising a balance between performance and economy, turbocharged smaller engines may be a better alternative.