Why is it not recommended to buy a three-cylinder car?
2 Answers
Here are the reasons why three-cylinder cars are not recommended: Engine issues: Three-cylinder engines have one less stroke than four-cylinder engines, making them more prone to vibration during operation and producing louder noise. Weak power: Additionally, to achieve power output continuity close to that of a four-cylinder engine, a three-cylinder engine needs to be matched with a large-mass flywheel. This increases the engine's rotational inertia, making the RPM response sluggish and resulting in less responsive throttle feedback. Three-cylinder car: A three-cylinder car refers to a vehicle equipped with a three-cylinder engine. A three-cylinder engine consists of three cylinders arranged on a single block sharing one crankshaft for power output, with a displacement of less than 1 liter. Four-cylinder car: A four-cylinder car refers to a vehicle equipped with a four-cylinder engine. The main components of a four-cylinder engine include the cylinder block, crankcase, cylinder head, and cylinder gasket.
I used to be very into cars, and the vibration of the three-cylinder engine was too noticeable. The seat and steering wheel shook violently while driving, especially on the highway, making it feel like I couldn't sit steadily. The power response was also slow, with a noticeable delay after pressing the accelerator, making overtaking difficult and the driving experience far from smooth. The noise issue was even worse—it sounded like driving a tractor, interfering with listening to music or navigation. I bought the three-cylinder car for its affordability, but in the long run, the vibration accelerates part wear and may increase maintenance costs. I suggest friends opt for a four-cylinder car instead—the driving experience improves significantly, especially for those who enjoy driving. Choosing a three-cylinder might lead to regret.