The placement of the engine refers to its position within the vehicle. The engine and its components make up a significant portion of the vehicle's weight. However, this weight is concentrated in a relatively small area, which greatly influences the car's center of gravity and overall driving dynamics.

The engine's position has a direct impact on the load borne by each axle. When the engine is located close to the front axle, that axle carries more weight. On the other hand, positioning the engine nearer to the rear axle places a greater load on the rear of the vehicle.

The powertrain layout describes where the engine is located in the car and which axle is driven.

In addition to this information, however, the powertrain layout choice is also a key factor in determining the car's driving characteristics, production costs, and possible car bodies.