Boxer engines got their name because each pair of pistons moves simultaneously in and out rather than alternately, like boxers showing they're ready by clashing their gloved fists against each other before a fight. Boxer engines of up to eight cylinders have proved highly successful in automobiles and up to six cylinders in motorcycles, and continue to be popular for light aircraft engines.
Boxer engines (and flat engines in general) tend to be noisier than other common engines for both intrinsic and other reasons, eg in cars, valve clatter from under the bonnet is not damped by large air-filters and other components. Boxers use a lighter crankshaft without need of balance weights, so should be able to accelerate faster - but in practice (eg in cars) they would suffer excessive torsional vibrations at low speeds so are fitted with a larger flywheel that negates the advantage. They have a characteristic smoothness throughout the rev range and, when combined with a mounting position immediately ahead of the rear axle, offer a low center of gravity and largely neutral handling