inline 6 vs v6
07-09-2010, 09:59 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
inline 6 vs v6
whats the big advantage/disadvantage of inline 6 vs v6,
v6 is the more commonly used one but some cars have the inline
i ask because my car has an inline 6 which seems to be rarer,
any and all advice is good
v6 is the more commonly used one but some cars have the inline
i ask because my car has an inline 6 which seems to be rarer,
any and all advice is good
07-09-2010, 10:33 AM
#2
Senior Member
RE: inline 6 vs v6
V-6 typicly is a higher revving engine from 5500RPM to 6500rpm. The upside about V-6 is that it takes less room than a V-8 or a I6 but the downside is there are more moving parts to a V-6 than a I6 and in most configurations they are difficult to service.
I-6 is usually European, because much of the market is RWD. I-6 typically have a lower RPM limit (5,000-6,200RPM) and a longer stroke, this means that the engines make more low end punch (jeep 4.0) the upside to I-6 is that there are less parts than a V engine (one bank, no need for 4 cams in DOHC) and many are more robust and are usually eaiser to service than a V-engine. the down side is that the engines are longer and usually alot heavier than V-6's.
I-6 is usually European, because much of the market is RWD. I-6 typically have a lower RPM limit (5,000-6,200RPM) and a longer stroke, this means that the engines make more low end punch (jeep 4.0) the upside to I-6 is that there are less parts than a V engine (one bank, no need for 4 cams in DOHC) and many are more robust and are usually eaiser to service than a V-engine. the down side is that the engines are longer and usually alot heavier than V-6's.
07-09-2010, 10:36 AM
#3
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RE: inline 6 vs v6
Far from an expert here but I always thought the biggest reason for the "v" style was the space savings it allowed. I believe that the "v" will also permit a higher rpm allowing for a different powerband.
I know the 4L I6 was a workhorse for Jeep for years and years and was, on the whole, a very strong, reliable and durable engine.
I know the 4L I6 was a workhorse for Jeep for years and years and was, on the whole, a very strong, reliable and durable engine.
07-09-2010, 10:42 AM
#4
RE: inline 6 vs v6
V-6 is more compact, so it is easier for packaging reason. However, inline-6 is "better" from just pure engineering point, as it is balanced for both 1st and 2nd order harmonics.. (similar to a flat-6 or V-12) You might have read that being referred as "1st order and 2nd order perfect balance" (the 2 primary direction, axis of movement.. up and down, left and right) That's why BMW have used the inline-6 forever in its line up.
Obviously, as the demand for power increases, they need to up the displacement, increase the # of cylinders (to keep the rev up, due to smaller pistons, etc.), they have to move into the direction of V8.
I'm not sure why people feel one can be revved higher than the other... typically that has more to do w/ the weight of the components.. (piston, con-rods, etc.)
Obviously, as the demand for power increases, they need to up the displacement, increase the # of cylinders (to keep the rev up, due to smaller pistons, etc.), they have to move into the direction of V8.
I'm not sure why people feel one can be revved higher than the other... typically that has more to do w/ the weight of the components.. (piston, con-rods, etc.)
07-09-2010, 12:03 PM
#7
RE: inline 6 vs v6
The inline 6 is a better designed engine mechanically, its cycle offset is perfect. Which allows for an extremely smooth running engine and can handle massive amounts of torque output. The v6 requires pretty high tolerances to run decently, which is the reason they were not really used before the late 70's. The v6 is a horrible engine, the cycle offset is like 37 degrees or something. High performance v6 engines can blow themselves apart pretty easily. I have a 200CI straight six in my Ford Fairmont, its the best running engine I have ever owned. The inline six is a "perfect" motor, just like the jag v12.
07-09-2010, 12:26 PM
#8
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Thread Starter
RE: inline 6 vs v6
thanks guys,
i got in an argument with a guy at work who said his car is "superior" because of the v6 instead of the i6 and thats why his car cost more ect.
now i can stand up for bimmer fanboys everywhere
childish i know but
i got in an argument with a guy at work who said his car is "superior" because of the v6 instead of the i6 and thats why his car cost more ect.
now i can stand up for bimmer fanboys everywhere
childish i know but
07-09-2010, 12:30 PM
#9
RE: inline 6 vs v6
What does he have? Just curious.. ha!
It is often time hard to say what is "better".. the architecture of an engine is one thing, but many other factors would also determine how good each engine is, don't you think?
Basic inline-6 vs. the most tricked out V-6? Econobox V-6 vs. the highest tuned I-6? etc. ha!
It is often time hard to say what is "better".. the architecture of an engine is one thing, but many other factors would also determine how good each engine is, don't you think?
Basic inline-6 vs. the most tricked out V-6? Econobox V-6 vs. the highest tuned I-6? etc. ha!
07-09-2010, 01:29 PM
#10
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RE: inline 6 vs v6
ORIGINAL: redfisher1974
I see that chevy has a inline 5 in some of the new trucks.
I see that chevy has a inline 5 in some of the new trucks.
and if im not mistaken, HUMMER has a I-5.
07-09-2010, 01:33 PM
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RE: inline 6 vs v6
ORIGINAL: The_Shark
YEAH! i loved my 5cyl turbo volvo. there is a slight ignition overlap, so its a very smooth engine and very torquey with great high rpm band as well. they used their noodle on that one; VVT, all aluminum block and head with iron sleeves, DOHC ect, not bad for starting in 1993.
and if im not mistaken, HUMMER has a I-5.
ORIGINAL: redfisher1974
I see that chevy has a inline 5 in some of the new trucks.
I see that chevy has a inline 5 in some of the new trucks.
and if im not mistaken, HUMMER has a I-5.
07-09-2010, 01:50 PM
#12
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Thread Starter
RE: inline 6 vs v6
hes got a pretty nice car as well... as is250, I just realized his car is more expensive because of the tech package (or whatever lexus calls it) that mine doesnt have
07-09-2010, 03:13 PM
#15
RE: inline 6 vs v6
V-6 engines were originally so unbalanced because they were a hacked-off V-8s. Later as technology permitted, the crankshafts were built to have something like a 15 degree offset between the connecting rods instead of no offset. That helped the balancing, along with 60 degree V angle.
But as everybody said, the I-6 is naturally balanced. The American perception of the I-6 is that it is used for trucks, but it can be designed to be a sport engine, like the BMWs and Volvos. Also, the VW VR6 engine is essentially an I-6 with the advantage of the V-6 compactness and engine block stiffness. The VW VR6 (and VR5) has a 15 degree V angle, single cylinger head, I-6 cylinder firing order, and I-6 balance. But the engne is as short as an I-4 and stiff block like a V-6.
But as everybody said, the I-6 is naturally balanced. The American perception of the I-6 is that it is used for trucks, but it can be designed to be a sport engine, like the BMWs and Volvos. Also, the VW VR6 engine is essentially an I-6 with the advantage of the V-6 compactness and engine block stiffness. The VW VR6 (and VR5) has a 15 degree V angle, single cylinger head, I-6 cylinder firing order, and I-6 balance. But the engne is as short as an I-4 and stiff block like a V-6.
07-09-2010, 03:28 PM
#16
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RE: inline 6 vs v6
ORIGINAL: Lunchboxer
The old IS used to be nice w/ the 2JZ engine.. (think Supra.. !) I really liked it..
Oh yeah, 2JZ is.. you guessed it.. Inline-6.. hee..
The old IS used to be nice w/ the 2JZ engine.. (think Supra.. !) I really liked it..
Oh yeah, 2JZ is.. you guessed it.. Inline-6.. hee..
2gen old or 1?
07-09-2010, 03:42 PM
#17
07-09-2010, 04:04 PM
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RE: inline 6 vs v6
Im just saying this off of what i seen in the shop. stright six is a buillit poof engine from the bottom end have very good low end turque. down side cost a lot to make power very slow to build rpms. the 4.0 jeep engine was a great engine lots of power and turque I think they fazed it out for mpg and emissions problems. just could not make standereds. benz has a very very nice inline 6 diesel engine one of the best I seen.
07-09-2010, 05:43 PM
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RE: inline 6 vs v6
ORIGINAL: lee172
would you say working on cars is easier than spelling?
would you say working on cars is easier than spelling?
07-09-2010, 08:03 PM
#22
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RE: inline 6 vs v6
ORIGINAL: Lunchboxer
V-6 is more compact, so it is easier for packaging reason. However, inline-6 is ''better'' from just pure engineering point, as it is balanced for both 1st and 2nd order harmonics.. (similar to a flat-6 or V-12) You might have read that being referred as ''1st order and 2nd order perfect balance'' (the 2 primary direction, axis of movement.. up and down, left and right) That's why BMW have used the inline-6 forever in its line up.
Obviously, as the demand for power increases, they need to up the displacement, increase the # of cylinders (to keep the rev up, due to smaller pistons, etc.), they have to move into the direction of V8.
I'm not sure why people feel one can be revved higher than the other... typically that has more to do w/ the weight of the components.. (piston, con-rods, etc.)
V-6 is more compact, so it is easier for packaging reason. However, inline-6 is ''better'' from just pure engineering point, as it is balanced for both 1st and 2nd order harmonics.. (similar to a flat-6 or V-12) You might have read that being referred as ''1st order and 2nd order perfect balance'' (the 2 primary direction, axis of movement.. up and down, left and right) That's why BMW have used the inline-6 forever in its line up.
Obviously, as the demand for power increases, they need to up the displacement, increase the # of cylinders (to keep the rev up, due to smaller pistons, etc.), they have to move into the direction of V8.
I'm not sure why people feel one can be revved higher than the other... typically that has more to do w/ the weight of the components.. (piston, con-rods, etc.)
07-09-2010, 10:09 PM
#24
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RE: inline 6 vs v6
Out here in the middle east (think land cruiser or nissan patrol !!!)
We praise the I 6 for the torque because we need it for the desert, whereas on roads, racetracks and so on are more apt to the V6 for its power band, smaller stroke meaning more aggressive mid range, fuel economy, and adaptability to multiple situations compared to the low-to-mid end of the I6 usually used for a more heavy duty purpose, personally (my own opinion) i like the I 6 more because of its durability and tunability (think 2JZ- GTE or even the RB26 DETT). The Jeep Wrangler 4.0 and Toyota Land Cruiser GX.R 99 - 05 shared similar engines but both manufactured in different areas but we all love them both out here where the torque and pull of the engines and their high revs (6000 RPM) where it counts out in the middle of nowhere in the blazing 50 degree celsius heat conditions and some of the most unforgiving terrain on the face of this earth. Im not even 19 yet but i know what i would rather have when i'm crossing the empty quarter in UAE(google it!!!)