What is engine displacement?

Engine displacement refers to the total volume of air and fuel that an engine can draw in during one full cycle of all its cylinders. This measurement is crucial because it directly correlates with the engine's size and power potential. A larger displacement typically allows for more air and fuel to enter the cylinders, which can lead to increased power output. This measurement is often expressed in liters or cubic centimeters (cc) and is a key factor in determining an engine's performance characteristics.

The other options do describe aspects related to engines, but they do not accurately define engine displacement. The length of the piston stroke is more about how far the piston moves, and the diameter of the cylinders pertains to the size of each cylinder, while a ratio of maximum to minimum volume references the compression ratio of the engine, not its displacement. Understanding engine displacement is vital for evaluating an engine's capabilities and efficiency.