The measurement units used to denote the engine size or displacement of motorcycles and cars differ because of historical conventions and regional preferences within the automotive industry.
Motorcycles typically use cubic centimeters (cc) to represent engine displacement, while cars commonly use liters (L). Here are a few reasons behind this distinction:
Historical Usage: The use of cubic centimeters for motorcycles dates back to the early days of motorized two-wheelers. Motorcycles were initially equipped with small, single-cylinder engines, and the displacement was often measured in cubic centimeters for simplicity. Over time, this convention became standardized within the motorcycle industry.
Compact Engine Sizes: Motorcycles generally have smaller engines compared to cars. The displacement of motorcycle engines tends to range from around 50cc for small scooters up to a few thousand cc for high-performance sport bikes. Measuring the engine size in cubic centimeters provides a more precise and compact representation for these smaller engines.
Global Market Considerations: Motorcycles are popular worldwide and are manufactured by various companies in different countries. The use of cubic centimeters as a unit of measurement is globally recognized and allows for consistency and comparability across different motorcycle models and manufacturers.
On the other hand, car engines are typically larger, and their displacements often exceed a few liters. Measuring car engines in liters offers a more convenient and easily relatable representation of their size.
It's important to note that there is a direct conversion between cubic centimeters (cc) and liters (L). One liter is equal to 1000 cubic centimeters, so a 1000cc engine is equivalent to a 1.0-liter engine. The choice of units is primarily a matter of convention and tradition within each specific segment of the automotive industry.