Why does an engine produce more power in cold temperatures compared to warm temperatures?

An engine produces more power in cold temperatures primarily because more oxygen is available in the denser cold air compared to warm air. Cold air has a higher density, meaning that for the same volume of air, there are more air molecules present. This increase in oxygen content allows for a more complete combustion of the fuel, leading to a greater potential for power generation during the engine's operation.

In warmer temperatures, the air becomes less dense, which means fewer oxygen molecules are available for combustion. This can result in a decrease in engine performance as there is less oxygen to combust with the fuel. Therefore, the ability to draw in more oxygen in cold weather directly correlates to increased engine power output, making this a fundamental principle in engine performance regarding temperature variations.