The three basic cylinder arrangements for automotive engines are

In-line engine The cylinders are arranged in a single row, one behind the other. They may be vertical, as in most modern light vehicles, horizontal are used in coaches where the engine is positioned under the floor, or inclined at an angle to allow for a lower bonnet line.

Vee engine The cylinders are arranged in two rows at an angle to one another. The angle for two-, four- and eight-cylinder engines is usually 90 . For six- and twelve-cylinder engines the angle is usually 60.

Opposed piston or cylinder engine This is where the cylinders are at an angle of 180 apart and usually positioned horizontally