Quote:
Originally Posted by jamesqf
So which is 'bigger', a 3-liter inline 4, or a 3-liter V6? Which would (assuming the same sort of turbo, ignition, &c) make more power/get better fuel economy? But I bet if two identical-output engines, one a 4 and one a V6, were available as options, over 80% of Americans would choose the V6.
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By "bigger" I meant bigger in displacement, not in external volume. A 350cu.in. (5.7L) Chevy small-block V8 is smaller on the outside than a 4-litre DOHC V8 from Lexus/Toyota. There are many other factors rather than just the cylinders layout that would lead to a higher power or greater fuel-efficiency, but a more favorable R/L ratio might benefit the V6 for power and NVH. In regard to a 3-litre engine, Americans who are used to get a truck for commutting or leisure would get a V6 instead of a straight-4 because they usually see the # of cylinders as a premium feature, while in the 3rd-world the lower purchase cost of a 4-pot is more attractive for commercial operators, and it ends up also becoming cheaper to overhaul.