Le Mans engine size history [Porsche 919 hybrid content]

[MogulBoy]

I saw this thread in General Porsche forum but thought it might get more interest over here..

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=138...

Can we assume that the 919 is a contender for outright victory and if so it would be interesting to know the smallest IC engine capacity that has ever carried off the trophy.. The 919 would appear to be packing a 2.0 litre V4 hybrid

[Red Firecracker]

The 1949 winner, a Ferrari 166MM in the hands of Luigi Chinetti and Peter Mitchell-Thomson had, as far as Wiki can tell, a 1995cc engine.

Then it would be the Renault Alpine A442B of 1978 with 2138cc, so smaller engine sized overall winners aren't totally new.

(all info from Wiki, so provide your own bucket of salt!)

[chevronb37]

Interesting question. The Renault was running according to a 1:1.4 equivalency ratio for forced induction so I'd call the Ferrari a clear winner, personally as it was naturally aspirated.

[Red Firecracker]

Of course, and we should add the Porsche 936's of 1981 and 1982 in there as well under the same regulations, at 2140cc. Of course, small engined Sportscars are crap and will never catch on or be successful