I don’t think it’s pretty well established, there are cars that will happily stop and start the engine multiple times per minute, e.g. Toyota hybrids with their “HSD” drivetrain. It just requires some engineering.
replyI don’t think Toyota engine does traction from low rpm. Electric motor does it, and moments later already well spinning engine gets the load.
replyHearing regular start-stop on intersection gives me sorry feeling for the engine.
It sounds like you're talking more about systems that supposedly disengage some cylinders while the car is cruising. Some engines with that kind of technology have been known to damage cylinders for multitude of reasons.
replyThat's very different from the start/stop feature they're talking about. That's about fully stopping the engine when you come to a complete stop like at a red light and then automatically starting again when you get off the brake.