The pistons and cylinders are aligned in a V shape in V type engine whereas they all are vertical or inline with each other in case of the inline engine. Now, let us check it out some key point to understand the comparison and then let us have a deep insight into the difference between the V engine and inline engine.
A key point of V-engine :
- It is unbalanced because there is an odd number of cylinders in each bank so by its inherent design.
- Its application in rear-wheel-drive configurations is few since the space between the ends of the engine width is so big.
- Due to its compact design, The engine is very short and suitable for a lot of front-wheel-drive cars especially when power demands increase but engine sizes decrease.
- The V engine will be different angles but the common angles are 45, 60 and 90 degrees.
- If viewed from the front will resemble a V as the pistons are not vertical, they are a slant on either side of the engine.
A key point of inline engine :
- Naturally balanced, to maintain it, you only need proper tuning and the correct firing order.
- Its application in the from-wheel-drive configuration is few since space can pose a problem for engine fitment.
- The inline engine produces more torque than V configurations and thus see its application in trucks and off-road vehicles
- An inline 6 will be cheaper to build than a V engine.
- An inline engine can easily accommodate an odd number of cylinders like 5 cylinder engine or the 3 cylinders engine which can be used in small fuel-efficient models.
- The inline is cheaper to produce because of its straightforward design.
Difference :
- V engines are not as efficient as the same size inline.
- V engine more complex and usually harder to repair than an inline engine.
- An inline engine is long and narrow mounted transversely in small car allow a very short hood whereas V engine is compact.
- The inline configuration is sometimes more difficult to cool in an air-cooled engine as compared to V engine.
- An inline engine is wide and flat gives it a low centre of gravity.
- The inline shape needs only half as many camshafts as a V configuration (if using overhead cams), which can lighten things slightly.
- There may also be cost differences between V engine and inline engine during manufacturing.
- V engine subjected to more vibration than an inline engine.