A flat-four engine (also known as a horizontally opposed-four engine or boxer engine[1]) is a four-cylinder piston engine with two banks of cylinders lying on opposite sides of a common crankshaft.

Learn how Subaru’s Boxer engine works, why the flat layout improves stability and safety, and the key benefits of this signature powertrain.

Aug 14, 2024 · The boxer engine features twice as many crank pins, making it even more expensive than the flat engine. However, this also results in much smoother operation, effectively making the …

Sep 30, 2023 · Just like two boxing athletes competing in a match, the boxer engine works similarly. Here're the advantages and disadvantages of this engine type!

Aug 27, 2025 · Boxer engines (also called “flat” or “horizontally opposed” engines) place their cylinders flat and opposite each other, moving like boxers punching simultaneously.

Apr 8, 2026 · In a true boxer engine, each piston has its own crank pin, whereas in a flat engine (effectively a wide-angle vee), each pair of opposing pistons share a crank pin.

Dec 13, 2025 · Discover how boxer engines work, their 120-year history, and why Porsche and Subaru keep the flat engine alive. Learn the benefits, drawbacks, and key models.

Nov 20, 2020 · Learn what is a boxer engine, how it works, and why Subaru uses them for all of its cars.

Learn how boxer engines work, why Subaru and Porsche use them, and the real-world pros, cons, reliability quirks, and checks to make before you buy.

Dec 26, 2024 · These engines got the name “boxer” because if you look at the way the engine is laid out, the opposed pistons appear to fight each other—moving in and out simultaneously as the engine …