Which is better, V6 engine or inline-six?
3 Answers
There is no absolute superiority, as each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The inline-six cylinder engine offers strong power, simple layout, and high stability; the V6 engine provides better smoothness and comfort. Therefore, the choice can be made based on needs: if you prefer handling and power, choose the inline-six; if you prefer comfort, choose the V6. Here is the relevant introduction: 1. The inline-six cylinder engine is structurally simpler, with all cylinders arranged in a straight line, requiring only one cylinder head and one set of double overhead camshafts. 2. The V6 engine is most commonly arranged as two inline-three cylinders at a 60-degree angle, requiring two cylinder heads and two sets of camshafts.
I've been driving for twenty years and rebuilt countless engines. The biggest difference between V6 and inline-six lies in their structure: a V6 is like two three-cylinders arranged in a V-shape, saving space but requiring balance shafts to reduce vibration; an inline-six has all six cylinders in a straight line, naturally smooth as silk with minimal vibration. BMW sticks with inline-six engines precisely for this smoothness. However, V6 offers more flexible chassis layout and fits better in front-wheel-drive cars like the Teana and Highlander. If you prioritize buttery-smooth power delivery, the inline-six is more satisfying; for practicality and hassle-free ownership, the V6 suits most cars better. I've modified several old Mark X models—that V6 exhaust note is absolutely intoxicating.
Those who are into car modifications know the temperaments of these two all too well. The inline-six engine block is long, and when adding a turbo, you have to consider the cooling space—fitting twin turbos on a BMW N54 is a real pain. The V6 engine bay has more room to spare, making it much easier to install a supercharger kit. But once modified, the linear output of an inline-six is truly addictive—just look at the GTR's RB26 as an example. For daily use, the V6 is more practical; even changing spark plugs on a Camry is something you can do yourself, whereas the labor costs for an inline-six are significantly higher. I've seen threads on foreign forums where people have modded a 2JZ inline-six to a thousand horsepower, but for us ordinary folks, it's still more practical to go with a widely available V6.
