What is the difference between a 3-cylinder and a 4-cylinder engine?
2 Answers
The difference between a 3-cylinder and a 4-cylinder engine lies in the number of cylinders: a 3-cylinder engine has 3 cylinders, while a 4-cylinder engine has 4 cylinders. The working principle of both 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder engines is as follows: 1. Intake stroke: The piston is driven by the crankshaft to move from top dead center to bottom dead center, while the intake valve opens and the exhaust valve closes; 2. Compression stroke: The piston moves from bottom dead center to top dead center, with both intake and exhaust valves closed; 3. Combustion and expansion stroke: Both intake and exhaust valves remain closed, the spark plug ignites, and the air-fuel mixture burns vigorously; 4. Exhaust stroke: The exhaust valve opens, and the piston moves from bottom dead center to top dead center, expelling the exhaust gases as the piston rises.
There's a noticeable difference in driving experience between three-cylinder and four-cylinder cars. I remember driving a small three-cylinder car where the steering wheel would vibrate slightly at startup, especially when stopping at traffic lights—you could even feel the vibration in the seat. In contrast, switching to a four-cylinder car, the engine runs much smoother with significantly less noise. The advantage of a three-cylinder is its fuel efficiency; my car averages around 5 liters per 100 km, whereas a similar-sized four-cylinder might consume up to 7 liters, making it very economical in stop-and-go city traffic. However, on long highway drives, the three-cylinder lacks sufficient power reserve, making overtaking a bit challenging, while the four-cylinder offers more linear acceleration, making driving less tiring. Nowadays, many new cars use turbocharged three-cylinder engines, which have improved vibration issues considerably. But when on a tight budget, a three-cylinder is a cost-effective choice. In summary, a three-cylinder is adequate for daily commuting, but if comfort is a priority, opt for a four-cylinder.
