What is the difference between V and W?
2 Answers
There are many types of car tires, so there are also numerous markings and codes used to distinguish them. The V and W marked on tires indicate the speed rating certification, representing the maximum permissible speed of the tire. A tire marked with the letter V means that under specified load conditions, it can support a maximum speed of 240 kilometers per hour, while a tire marked with the letter W means that under specified load conditions, it can support a maximum speed of 270 kilometers per hour. Here is some additional information: Introduction: There are nearly 30 different speed ratings for tires, and those marked with W and V already belong to high-speed tires. Additional Information: Tires with higher speed ratings tend to be relatively more expensive, so when purchasing tires, it is important to make a selection based on actual conditions and the performance parameters of the vehicle to avoid waste or potential hazards.
When it comes to the difference between V and W configurations, as a frequent driver, I feel that V-type engines like V6 or V8 are too common. My Toyota uses one, with cylinders arranged in two rows forming a V shape. They start smoothly with low noise and are easy to maintain, with most repair shops able to handle them. W-type engines are rarer—I've only seen them in high-end Volkswagen models. The cylinder arrangement is more complex, like two small V's back-to-back, making the engine more compact with a smaller footprint. The front end is shorter but acceleration is faster. However, repairs take longer, parts are harder to find and several times more expensive. For daily driving, the difference isn't huge, but W-types might be slightly more fuel-consuming, and their compact size isn't suitable for SUVs. Overall, V-types are cost-effective and practical for regular drivers, unless you're obsessed with the punchy acceleration of luxury cars.
