V6 or Four?

V6 or Four-Cylinder Engine?

An engine cylinder is where the combustion process occurs. Inside each cylinder is a piston, which moves up and down inside the cylinder (or side to side, as we will learn). Each cylinder is connected to a crankshaft. The crankshaft delivers the energy created by the combustion process to the transmission and, ultimately, to the wheels that drive the vehicle. Generally speaking, the more cylinders an engine has, the more horsepower and torque an engine makes

Engine cylinders are typically arranged in a vertical orientation, lined up one after another from the front to the rear of the engine, or in a V-shaped orientation with an equal number of cylinders on each side. When engine cylinders are vertically oriented, the engine has an "inline" configuration, which is used in conjunction with 4, 5, or 6 cylinders. When engine cylinders are V-oriented, the engine has a "V" configuration, which is used in conjunction with 6 or more cylinders. If an engine is mounted transversely, which is common for front-wheel-drive vehicles, the cylinders and crankshaft are oriented from side-to-side rather than front-to-back.

 Inline engines (I) are taller and narrower, and when they are mounted transversely, allow designers to create a vehicle with a smaller front end. V-type engines (V) sit lower with an improved center of gravity, and this design is more space-efficient with a greater numbers of cylinders. Horizontally opposed engines (H) sit very low and wide, producing a low center of gravity and improved handling.

A 6-cylinder engine features six pistons and produces a theoretical 50% more power than the same 4-cylinder engine. While a 4-cylinder engine might hesitate when you press on the gas, a 6-cylinder will tend to be more responsive, with greater get-up-and-go. 

The 4-cylinder engine is standard in smaller cars, as the relatively light weight of the vehicle makes it an economical choice with plenty of power for average motoring needs. 

The smaller engine will be less expensive and should get slightly better gas mileage, just on gas. And the disadvantage of a 4 cylinder is a lack of power that might factor in more for commuters and travelers. For hilly or mountainous areas, the 6-cylinder engine would likely be a better choice.