This subject is one of those that’s never agreeable between enthusiasts. This is why the title says "My List." Any disagreements? Feel free to write to me at
Joking aside, when it comes to the best engine, I believe there’s no such thing as a perfect one. From my perspective, there are good engines and engineering fails that should have never made it to the road. If you had anything to do with the N42/46, go sit in the corner and think about your life choices.
All engines have their weak spots and require some level of maintenance to run smoothly—or in Honda's case, just make sure there’s some oil. Even that is optional. For me, the best engine will always be the M50/52 (yes, I know it’s a 6-cylinder) for three reasons: I know it well, it’s really tough and reliable, and if you break down on the road, you should be able to fix it with just a few wrenches and pliers. That said, on this list, there are four engines that check those three boxes, and one wild card that I like despite its flaws.
So, let’s begin.
1. Honda K20/K24 Series
Honda’s K-series engines (especially the K20 and K24) are renowned for their longevity and performance. These engines, found in models like the Civic and Accord, are reliable, efficient, and perform well over time. Their solid reputation for durability makes them a top choice for those wanting both dependability and power. These ones are notoriously reliable especially when left stock. I was never a fan but even I cant deny its potential and durability.
2. Volkswagen EA888 2.0L Turbocharged
The EA888 engine, found in models like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Audi A3, is a standout for its balance of performance and reliability. Known for its smooth turbocharged power delivery, the EA888 can last a long time with proper maintenance, making it an excellent choice for those seeking both power and longevity.
3. BMW M42 1.8L Inline-4
The BMW M42 engine, found in models like the BMW E30 and E36 318is, is known for its smoothness, reliability, and longevity. While it’s an older engine, it has earned a strong reputation for being durable with proper care. The M42 can easily last beyond 400,000 kilometers ( that's when you should pay attention to head gasket ), and it’s beloved by enthusiasts for its refined performance and BMW’s signature engineering quality. Also it is true that S14 is far better but that's unicorn engine and hard to get these days. On the other hand it has been harder to find M42 and even M44 engines these days.
4. Toyota 1.8L 4-Cylinder (1ZZ-FE)
Another dependable Toyota engine, the 1.8L 1ZZ-FE is found in vehicles like the Corolla and even in Lotus Elise. This engine is known for its reliability and simplicity. It can last for many years, decades, making it a great choice for those looking for a trouble-free, long-lasting engine. When stock there is no end to this engine.
5. Subaru 2.0L Boxer Engine (FA20)
Wildcard like I said. Found in the Subaru BRZ, Toyota 86, and Scion FR-S, the 2.0L FA20 Boxer engine is praised for its balance of performance and reliability. Its unique horizontally opposed design offers excellent stability and lower center of gravity, enhancing handling. However this is sole reason why working on it is nightmare sometimes. With regular maintenance, the FA20 engine is known to last and most owners on Reddit report 200 000 - 350 000 kilometers done so far. Also it looks like 2013 and 2018 production years have some issues and perhaps should be avoided.
