[Tech Issue] Best engine?

[Razor]

I was thinking recently "What has been the best engine and engine builder used in F1?" Which lead me to pose this question for discussion.
Please discuss.

[Greem]

Define "best"

There have been those that were more powerful than others (but grenaded at the push of the accelerator pedal), those that caused fundamental design changes (stressed member designs), those that were powerful, relatively cheap, easy to maintain and dominant for years (the DFV), those that sounded "better" (there's that word again!) than others...

I would subjectively say that the Cosworth DFV and friends were probably the "best" in that they were a design that lasted for ages and managed to be incredibly successful not just in F1 but in other racing series too.

Other opinions are available

[nicanary]

Quite so.

If "best" means proportion of wins, then the Lampredi Ferrari 500 of 52/53 or the Mercedes of 54/55 take the day.

I agree with the choice of the DFV because it set new standards in useablility, and remained at the top of the tree for so long.

Good noise - Matra V12 and BRM V16.

Most promising - Climax "Godiva" (what a waste).

[Razor]

Well when I define "best" I mean: To you, what is the best engine? It could mean anything, best capacity, most famous, etc.

[Marbot]

Best solution to a problem, could have been 'Life's' W12. They were, however, very poorly funded. That's life, I guess.

[wnut]

BMW M1 turbo of 1984 - not bad for a production based block!

[wnut]

Originally Posted by Marbot

Best solution to a problem, could have been 'Life's' W12. They were, however, very poorly funded. That's life, I guess.

Certainly about the most interesting - particularly enjoyed the valve gear!

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2009/06/2...ival-of-speed/