The C172 (most common small airplane) has a Lycoming 4-cylinder engine of various sizes throughout the years. A representative engine, the O-320, is around 89% as efficient as traditional (non-hybrid, non-Atkinson) ICE automobile at turning gasoline into productive work.
I don’t view an 11% spread as “horribly inefficient” given the need for many redundant systems, air-cooling, high diameter pistons, and relatively low RPM.
I don’t view an 11% spread as “horribly inefficient” given the need for many redundant systems, air-cooling, high diameter pistons, and relatively low RPM.
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