What are the differences between National IV and National VI vehicles?
3 Answers
Here are the differences between National IV and National VI vehicles: Different restrictions: The sulfur content limit for National IV is 50ppm; The sulfur content limit for National VI is 5ppm. Different fuel principles: During the National IV phase, diesel and gasoline vehicles had different emission standards; National VI adopts a fuel-neutral principle, meaning the same emission limits apply regardless of fuel type. Different emission standards: Compared to National III, National IV reduced nitrogen oxide emissions by 30% for light-duty vehicles and 50% for heavy-duty vehicles; Compared to National V, National VI reduces particulate emissions by 40%, and for heavy-duty diesel vehicles, nitrogen oxides and particulates will be 60% lower than National V standards.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I'd say the biggest difference between China IV and China VI vehicles lies in their emissions. The China VI standards are much stricter—for example, the carbon monoxide limit is nearly halved, nitrogen oxides are significantly reduced, and there's added particulate matter monitoring. This affects daily driving: China VI vehicles tend to be quieter, but you need to be careful at the pump, using 95-octane or higher gasoline to avoid triggering emission system errors. Price-wise, China VI cars were initially a few thousand yuan more expensive, but they offer better fuel efficiency, saving money on gas in the long run. China IV vehicles now have low resale value, especially in big cities with restricted zones where they can't enter, making them awkward to drive. Overall, the upgrade benefits the environment, but older China IV cars can still serve budget-conscious drivers for a while.
I'm someone who really cares about the driving experience, and the switch from a China IV to a China VI vehicle made a noticeable difference. After the emission standard upgrade, China VI cars run smoother, especially with less vibration at low speeds, thanks to the addition of better exhaust treatment systems. In terms of price, a new China VI car costs a bit more than a China IV, roughly around 10,000 yuan extra, but it saves about 5% on fuel on average. When it comes to used cars, my China IV model depreciated badly when I sold it, while China VI holds its value better. Maintenance-wise, China VI vehicles require special filters during servicing, which costs more, but they have a higher pass rate in emission tests, meaning fewer repairs. In cities like Beijing and Shanghai, China IV vehicles face strict driving restrictions and can't enter urban areas, making the switch to China VI a much more hassle-free choice.
