Just being lazy

[Bilko]

I know i could get this from a book somewhere so i guess im just being lazy. I've been interested in fast cars for some years now and feel pretty clued up on car recognition. Although i still appreciate the different lines and curves of beautifull sports cars i find that i am becoming more interested in the handling and performance side now. My question is this; What are the different characteristics of different engine types? Granted this is a sweeping question, so for anyone who cares to enlighten me with their knowledge i shall expand.
How can a V6 go faster than a V8?
What makes an in line engine sound different to a V?
How can an in line 4 cylinder engine make a car go faster than a V6?
And so on......

[GreenV8S]

quote:
How can a V6 go faster than a V8?

By being more powerful, or in a lighter car.

quote:
What makes an in line engine sound different to a V?

Firing order, and resonant characteristics of the exhaust.

quote:
How can an in line 4 cylinder engine make a car go faster than a V6?

Same as the V6/V8 question. Number of cylinders and layout are not the issue. To all practical purposes its simply matter of raw horsepower to weight. You can make an engine put out more power by increasing the capacity, having a better design, tuning it to increase revs, or adding super/turbo/nitrous/whatever.

quote:
And so on......

Yes.

Not much help I guess, but these are *very* general questions after all ...
Cheers,
Peter Humphries (and a green V8S)