Final answer:
The greater the piston displacement, the greater the maximum horsepower an engine can develop.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a car engine, the piston displacement refers to the volume of the cylinder swept by the piston during its movement. The greater the piston displacement, the greater the potential power output of the engine. This is because a larger displacement allows for more air and fuel to be drawn into the cylinder, resulting in a more powerful combustion and greater horsepower.
For example, if two engines have the same combustion efficiency but different piston displacements, the engine with the larger displacement will be capable of producing more power.