What is the difference between China V and China VI when buying a car?

[McEvangeline]

China V and China VI mainly have the following differences: 1. Different test cycles: China VI conducts a comprehensive assessment of vehicle emissions during cold starts, acceleration and deceleration, and high-speed high-load conditions, covering a wider range of engine operation and imposing higher requirements on vehicle emission control performance. 2. Different test procedure requirements: The mass requirements of test vehicles and road load settings directly affect the fuel consumption and emission performance of vehicles. The China VI standard adopts stricter test requirements, such as increasing the weight of test vehicles and requiring tire specifications to be consistent with mass-produced vehicles.

[WyattAnn]

When I bought a car last time, I was torn between choosing China 5 and China 6 standards. I remember China 5 is the older standard with higher emissions, producing more pollutants like carbon monoxide. China 6 is the newer standard, divided into phases a and b, with stricter emission requirements—for example, significantly reducing harmful particles in exhaust. This has a considerable impact on us car owners: China 6 vehicles are easier to license, as major cities like Beijing and Shanghai no longer allow new China 5 license plates to avoid road restrictions. In the used car market, China 5 cars depreciate faster, while China 6 cars hold their value better. However, China 6 cars are usually a few thousand yuan more expensive, and their parts are more precise during repairs. If you're on a tight budget, buying a China 5 car for personal use isn’t a big issue, but you should pay attention to environmental policy changes in your city to avoid your car becoming unusable in a few years. In the long run, choosing China 6 is more worry-free, keeping up with the trend of environmental protection.

[OHarmony]

If you ask me about the difference between China V and China VI, I think the key lies in price and practicality. The China VI emission standards are higher, making cars cleaner and more environmentally friendly when they leave the factory, but the increased costs lead to slightly higher car prices. In some areas, there may even be subsidies for new energy vehicles, making buying a new car quite cost-effective. On the other hand, China V cars are cheaper in the used car market, suitable for buyers on a tight budget, especially in rural areas with looser registration policies. However, in cities with driving restrictions, it can be troublesome, as you might get checked by traffic police daily. I suggest checking local policies before buying a car—big cities like Guangzhou prioritize China VI, while smaller cities can still manage with China V. In terms of maintenance, China VI cars have higher fuel quality requirements, and occasional repairs might cost more. Overall, base your decision on practicality—don’t just chase the latest standards or go for the cheapest option.

[DelAugust]

Emission standards are quite straightforward: China 5 is the older version with less stringent pollutant controls, while China 6 is the upgraded standard that significantly tightens restrictions on nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, requiring technical additions like DPF systems. Average drivers might not be familiar with these terms, but in practice, China 6 vehicles offer better fuel efficiency and more environmentally friendly, high-performance engines. When choosing a car, don't just focus on the standard differences—consider your needs too. For instance, urban areas with strict regulations mandate China 6 compliance for registration, whereas rural drivers can opt for China 5 models to save on maintenance costs. Essentially, these standards represent environmental upgrades, and understanding their background helps you make informed decisions.

[TeaganMarie]

From a policy perspective, the differences between China 5 and China 6 emission standards are significant: China 6 became mandatory after 2020 with stricter emissions to reduce smog pollution. Many cities have gradually banned sales of new China 5 vehicles—for example, Shenzhen only allows China 6B models for registration. This affects our car-buying choices—China 6 vehicles face lower future traffic restriction risks and enjoy tax incentives. While used China 5 cars may be cheaper, they depreciate faster and face tougher annual inspections, especially in strict environmental control zones. Before purchasing, consult local DMV policies and consider the trend: China 6 is mainstream—buying early brings peace of mind. Spending extra on China 6 avoids future hassles.