[Regenerit]

So I've run into the question of engine efficiency (in terms of fuel) this time in terms of equal displacement engines but with a different amount of cylinders.

2L I4 vs 2L V8.
What would be more efficient and why?

My guess would be the 4 cylinder because it has fewer moving parts (maybe less friction?) but then wouldn't it be easier to burn all of the gas in a .25L V8 cylinder due to the smaller size vs. burning all of the gas in a .5L cylinder in a I4 due to the smaller area in which to burn the fuel (less time necessary for each spark to ignite flame and have it travel less distance to burn all fuel multipled by the fact that its 8 sparks by half the area of the I4..... so yeah. I'm also rooting for the V8 being as efficient if not more than the I4... what's your take, everyone and why?