The Difference Between 4 Cylinders and 6

When buying a new or used car, there are many things to consider. Many people do not think about engine size and type right away – sometimes that feature gets pushed down the list of priorities. In North America, many cars have an engine that is either 4 or 6 cylinders. What’s the difference between 4 cylinders and 6?

First, the higher the number of cylinders, the more driving power the vehicle has. Secondly, the greater the number of cylinders, the lower the fuel efficiency.

For the majority of smaller vehicles, light vans, trucks, and even some SUVs, we look at 4-cylinder vs v6 engines. Because 4-cylinders are typically inline engines (in a straight line, unlike the V-shaped 6-cylinder engines), they are compact, lighter in weight, and smaller. Therefore, a vehicle with a 4-cylinder engine tends to have better fuel economy but has less power.

On the other hand, trucks, many sedans, and full-size SUVs typically have a 6-cylinder or even larger engine. These engines not only weigh more than 4-cylinder vs v6 engines, but they are also much larger. A 6-cylinder engine tends to have more power, which is necessary to drive the larger and heavier vehicles, but, usually offers less fuel economy.

Technology

Over the past two decades, technology has led to better engine designs that are lighter, more powerful, and provide even greater fuel economy than engines of the past. One of the key differences between 4 cylinders and 6 is the history. The power generated by the newer 4-cylinder vehicles may be on par with the 6-cylinder engines made a decade ago. However, at the same time, the newer 6-cylinder engines are also lighter, more compact, and offer as good fuel economy as older 4-cylinder engines. Taking all this into consideration, which engine should you select?

What Size Engine Will Fit Your Needs Best

The key is to first select the type and size of the car that suits and meets your needs. If you have a small family, obviously a 4-cylinder car seems like it would suffice. In addition, since 4-cylinder vs v6 engines have fewer parts, the risk for breakdown is also lower. These engines tend to be less expensive to maintain compared to the heavier and bigger 6-cylinder engines.

If you are only using a vehicle to take you to work, shop, and for local driving, a smaller car or SUV with a 4-cylinder engine should meet your needs just fine. The smaller engine will also offer excellent fuel economy. The downside is that the car will not be suitable to carry heavy loads because it has less power.

On the other hand, if you have a large family and are regularly towing campers, traveling long distances, or carrying heavy work equipment, consider getting a full-size truck or SUV with a V6 or V8.

Today, many small 4-cylinder cars come with an option to upgrade to a 6-cylinder engine. This may be an option for someone who now has a bigger family and needs a car with more power. The majority of sports cars usually come with a 6-cylinder or a larger engine, but the downside is that these vehicles may only be able to seat two people, including the driver, and the cargo space is always limited.

Which Car Engine Should You Choose?

Today, there are many vehicles with all types of engines on the roads, and it is important to know ahead of time what type of car necessity will dictate for you. The main factors that determine the needs of drivers that include the difference between 4 cylinders and 6 depend on what type of performance you are looking for in the car, your driving habits, and the type of loads you will carry. If you are looking for a car with good fuel efficiency as your primary concern, go with a 4-cylinder vs. v6 engine, but if you are looking for higher performance, go with a 6-cylinder engine in the car you choose. Several car manufacturers are trying to develop engines that combine the fuel efficiency of a 4-cylinder engine with the performance of a 6-cylinder engine so that customers will not have to make a decision on that fact alone.

Braman Motorcars offers a great variety of new and used cars of all makes and models. As well, all their personnel are very knowledgeable about the specifics relevant to each make and model of car, as well as the difference between 4 cylinders and 6. Call them today at 1-561-465-8293 to learn more.