Why can't a 12-cylinder outperform an 8-cylinder?
2 Answers
High cost with limited performance improvement. Here are the detailed explanations: Cost difference: A 12-cylinder engine is typically 100kg heavier than an 8-cylinder engine, which translates to additional material costs. To meet emission standards, a 12-cylinder engine requires more exhaust purification costs compared to an 8-cylinder engine. The torque and power of a 12-cylinder engine are greater, so a vehicle equipped with a 12-cylinder engine needs a higher level of body rigidity than one with an 8-cylinder engine, which is reflected in manufacturing costs. The larger displacement of a 12-cylinder engine results in significantly higher consumption taxes and slightly higher fuel consumption. Performance difference: Undoubtedly, a 12-cylinder engine has a larger displacement and stronger power, so in theory, the vehicle's acceleration performance should be significantly better than an 8-cylinder engine. However, the difference in acceleration performance between a 12-cylinder and an 8-cylinder is very small. While the 12-cylinder engine is more powerful, the 8-cylinder engine is already fast enough in acceleration. Additionally, the 12-cylinder engine is much heavier than the 8-cylinder engine, so the improvement in vehicle acceleration performance is not significant.
Sometimes people assume that 12-cylinder cars must be faster, but as someone who frequently races, I've found that 8-cylinder cars often outperform in reality. The layout of a 12-cylinder engine is bulkier, like the V12 configuration, which puts it at a disadvantage in weight—it can weigh over 500 kg, reducing the power-to-weight ratio and affecting overall acceleration. In contrast, modern 8-cylinder engines, especially turbocharged versions, feature lightweight designs keeping them around 300 kg, with lightning-fast responsiveness. For example, on the track, a Porsche 911's V8 can easily overtake an older Ferrari V12 in corners because the lighter body improves balance and makes suspension tuning easier. Don't forget internal friction: multi-cylinder engines suffer more frictional losses, reducing power efficiency. So, it's not just about cylinder count—efficiency and lightweight matter. From my experience, 8-cylinder cars often lead in Nürburgring lap times.
