Why are V formation engines (V6/8/12) considered better than having the cylinders in a different formation, such as in a straight 6. Bonus points if you can explain why more cylinders is better.

Question

Why are V formation engines (V6/8/12) considered better than having the cylinders in a different formation, such as in a straight 6. Bonus points if you can explain why more cylinders is better.

In: Engineering

Answer 1

>Bonus points if you can explain why more cylinders is better.

Application of power. One cylinder is an impulse, a tug. Many cylinders are a smooth pull.

A V engine consumes less space per cc or l of displacement. That old inline 6 isn’t a bad design, it just takes a mile of space to fit under a hood.