- NEW!
by Thom64 on July 24th, 2004
Which performance parameter? In each following point, comparison assumes only the number of cylinders changes, not quality, displacement, tolerances, compression ratio or anything else, i.e. "all other things being equal."
-More cylinders means more friction surfaces (bearings, cylinder/ring contact, valve guides, etc.) and therefore lower "efficiency."
-More moving parts and more friction surfaces means more failure points, so more cylinders means lower "reliability."
-As others have pointed out, more cylinders also means smoother power delivery.
-More cylinders means more parts which means more expensive to build, buy, maintain (plugs, wires, etc.) and repair (e.g. valve job) - lower "cost performance."
In reality, all other things are never equal. The number of cylinders is a poor indicator of most performance parameters. A 2.4 liter four-cylinder may far outperform a 2.8 liter V-6 in all points - fuel economy, reliability, horsepower, torque, etc. - if it is designed and built better. A 4 liter six may likewise far outperform a 4 liter eight-cylinder. There are also plenty of situations where the contrary is true.
Can biofuel foul out lifters?
by Answerbag Staff on May 20th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
What type of oil does a Honda Civic hybrid use?
by Answerbag Staff on May 19th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
What are the indications of a bad mass air flow sensor?
by Answerbag Staff on May 17th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
Why isn't your father an engineer?
by prof. mes solzhenitsy on October 19th, 2011
| 10 people like this
1991 nissan 300zx how do you take the t tops off?
by Cody_B3749 on May 10th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
You're reading How does the number of cylinders in an engine affect its performance?
Your favorite Q&A site is on Facebook! Become a fan to connect with the ever-growing community of Answerbaggers, share your thoughts and find out what Answerbag's up to next!
Comments