What are the differences between a 3-cylinder engine and a 4-cylinder engine?
3 Answers
3-cylinder engines and 4-cylinder engines differ in the following dimensions: 1. Size and weight: The 3-cylinder engine is relatively small and light, saving space in the car and facilitating vehicle layout. The 4-cylinder engine is heavier and larger in size. 2. Fuel consumption: The 3-cylinder engine has a smaller displacement and is more fuel-efficient. The 4-cylinder engine has one more cylinder than the 3-cylinder engine, making it relatively more fuel-consuming. 3. Power: The torque platform of a turbocharged 3-cylinder engine is relatively narrow, making it prone to insufficient power. The 4-cylinder engine has relatively more sufficient power. 4. Cost: The structural design of the 3-cylinder engine is relatively simple, with lower production costs, and maintenance and repairs are also cheaper. The production cost of the 4-cylinder engine is higher.
I found that the biggest differences between 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder engines lie in their structure and operation. A 3-cylinder engine has three cylinders, which inherently causes imbalance and significant vibration, resulting in a slight shaking sensation when driving, especially noticeable during low-speed acceleration. In contrast, a 4-cylinder engine with four cylinders offers more even ignition and smoother operation. Nowadays, technologies like balance shafts or turbocharging have reduced the vibration in 3-cylinder engines. For example, Ford's 1.0-liter 3-cylinder turbo engine delivers good power while being fuel-efficient. Overall, 3-cylinder engines are lightweight and fuel-efficient, making them ideal for city commuting, whereas 4-cylinder engines provide higher power and more stability at high speeds. In terms of maintenance, the greater vibration in 3-cylinder engines may accelerate part wear, but modern improvements have enhanced their practicality. When choosing a car, it ultimately depends on personal preferences for comfort and fuel efficiency.
After driving a 1.2-liter three-cylinder car, I compared it with my own 1.5-liter four-cylinder, and the difference in daily driving experience was quite noticeable. The three-cylinder car had a loud engine roar at startup, and the steering wheel would vibrate noticeably at low RPMs, which was particularly annoying when idling at a stop; the four-cylinder was much quieter and smoother, with silky acceleration. In terms of fuel consumption, the three-cylinder was slightly more economical at just over 5 liters per 100 kilometers, while the four-cylinder was around 6 liters, but the comfort gap made me prefer spending more on fuel. On the highway, the four-cylinder was more stable and didn't feel floaty, while the three-cylinder had more wind noise. Many three-cylinder cars now come with balance shafts for vibration reduction, but for older cars, I'd still recommend a four-cylinder.
