If you've ever looked under the bonnet of a car, the engine can seem like a maze of metal parts, pipes and wires. In reality, its job is quite simple: it turns fuel into the power that moves your car.

In 1903, Dutch automaker Spyker created the world's first car powered by a straight-six engine. It was powered by a massive, 8.8-liter engine that made 60 hp of power, and it was sent to all four ...

Boxer engines feature flat, opposing pistons that move in opposite directions for smooth operation. Subaru and Porsche are primary modern users, benefiting from low center of gravity and performance.