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Question:

Is an aluminum car engine as durable as steel/iron ?

Some makes like KIA make a point of having aluminum engines. I thought this was for weight, but was more prone to failure, especially in a high mileage car.

Answer:

depends. i had a 79 F150, obviously engine made of steel. I let the water run out, the oil run out, the tranny fluid run out, etc. Couldnt kill that truck. I think the aluminum engines built today are fine, depending on the manufacturer. You cant run these engines into the ground though. I have had hondas and toyotas that ran forever with aluminum engines. Chrysler (dodge and plymouth) aluminum engines i have found are junk. I have been told by people who know to never buy a kia. if you can't afford a new car, buy a used one, like toyota, honda, never a nissan though. engines are just as good but the rest of the car is made out of pot metal. mazda is my favorite and many a ford has mazda engineering inside. the ford escape 4 cylinder is what i drive. it has a mazda engine.
ALuminum engines are close to durablity of the Iron Engines based on the assumption that you use aluminum engines only for gasoline engines. THe pressure and temperature inside it will be 2-3Mpa and 1000 degrees celsius. If you have very efficient radiator, there is not much damage to the material. The only factors that might reduce its life would be operating it in a higher temperature for a longer time. Lets say driving it in desert with A/C on and with less lubricating oil for a long duration everyday throughout the year. But ignoring the above case, aluminum are close to the durablity of the Iron engines.
Aluminium engines have a lot of steel parts in it ( crank shaft. connecting rods, cam shafts etc. These parts take the most wear. The only real problem with aluminium engines is over heating. Aluminium will warp quicker than cast steel blocks.
Aluminum is touchy with heat, in comparison to steel. Generally the cylinder sleeves and berring surfaces are steel lined for durability. If you have a good radiator and thermostat, there is no reason the aluminum engine will not last 200,000 miles or more.
aluminum is a very flexible and heat intolerant metal. It is used to save weight....period. Normal use is fine but more frequent cooling system maintenance is required. Never overheat an aluminum engine as you'll let the magic smoke out when it warps every piece in it

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