"That bloody thump" - preference for 4-cylinder engines?
Poll: "That bloody thump" - preference for 4-cylinder engines?
Total Members Polled: 81
Discussion
In the '20s, some Bentley drivers upon driving the new six-cylinder car claimed to miss the sensation of driving the four-cylinder 3-litre car. Bentley then released the 4 1/2 litre for those men.
After going from a GTI to a 911 and an electric, I think the rumble and vibration of an inline four was a big reason I enjoyed the old car. Does anyone else think that fewer cylinders contribute to the character of an engine?
After going from a GTI to a 911 and an electric, I think the rumble and vibration of an inline four was a big reason I enjoyed the old car. Does anyone else think that fewer cylinders contribute to the character of an engine?
In the last 23 years I've had 2 V6's, 4 straight 6's and 1 4 pot which was a Honda 2.4 VTEC. I enjoyed the nature of the Honda engine as you had to wring it out to make good progress but in all honesty, the new fangled turbo 6 cylinders just make life more effortless, if a little less engaging. I'm old and boring now though so don't really go for fun drives anymore.
I quite liked the noise from my TD5 defender but generally no and it’s replacement with “ only “ 4 whilst quieter ,still has character if you can call a cross between a lawnmower and tractor that.
Otherwise on the drive is a V6 , 2 x V8’s and a V10.
They all have character some more than others.
Otherwise on the drive is a V6 , 2 x V8’s and a V10.
They all have character some more than others.
Portofino said:
Abarth four cylinder engines are definitely characterful.
Alfa Boxers were good but obviously that was a while back.
Most 4 cylinders are pretty anonymous in bread & butter stuff but can be good if designed in.
The Multiair Turbo in my 500 Abarth was easily the best part of an absolutely terrible car. Alfa Boxers were good but obviously that was a while back.
Most 4 cylinders are pretty anonymous in bread & butter stuff but can be good if designed in.
The naturally aspirated 1.4 16v in my Fiat 500 (same engine as that in the Panda 100HP) has a bit of character. Sounds quite spirited when you accelerate up to 4000 or 5000 rpm in 2nd and 3rd, though you're not going particularly quickly while doing so. I like the engine anyhow, as much for its reliability as the rev-happy nature of it.
I went 6/8 (meaning ideally straight six, being a BMW fanboy) but really the question is too simplistic because the answer is 'it depends'. I wouldn't want a 6 pot in a Caterham, Atom or MX5 for obvious reasons, neither would I in a bog standard daily hatch better suited to a 2.0TD4. But any from 3 series size up? Bring on the straight 6 - I was tempted by a 320td when looking but so glad I went 330d; economy is essentially the same because of the bigger lumps understressed nature and longer gearing whilst performance, smoothness (and by all accounts reliability) are far superior to the 4. See also the disaster that is the horrid 4 they put in the Cayman, ruining part of the driving experience when ringing the neck of the flat six was part of the joy of driving one.
I've had great 4s like the twin-cam Lampredi engines in 1970s Fiats, but also agricultural boat-anchors like Ford Pintos and worse still a pre-crossflow 1500 in a Cortina!
Although I preferred the four V6 Fords none was as good as the straight 6s I've had in a couple of Mercedes and six BMWs.
While I loved the sound of the V8 Rover P6B I had when I was 20 it was pretty gutless.
I'd love to try a V12 though!
Although I preferred the four V6 Fords none was as good as the straight 6s I've had in a couple of Mercedes and six BMWs.
While I loved the sound of the V8 Rover P6B I had when I was 20 it was pretty gutless.
I'd love to try a V12 though!
Puddenchucker said:
There are some charismatic 4 cyl engines - Honda S2000, Impreza Turbo, anything rorty and Italian from the 1970s / early 1980s - but I'd rather have 6 cyl as a minimum. (5cyl at a push - think Audi Ur Quattro).
Modern 4 cyl engines seem a bit anodyne.
I think a boring car will make even a really characterful engine seem lost. There are lots of American cars with 250-300 hp, four-cam, 3 to 4 liter, V6s that are a complete snooze to drive. Modern 4 cyl engines seem a bit anodyne.
Mr Tidy said:
I've had great 4s like the twin-cam Lampredi engines in 1970s Fiats, but also agricultural boat-anchors like Ford Pintos and worse still a pre-crossflow 1500 in a Cortina!
Although I preferred the four V6 Fords none was as good as the straight 6s I've had in a couple of Mercedes and six BMWs.
While I loved the sound of the V8 Rover P6B I had when I was 20 it was pretty gutless.
I'd love to try a V12 though!
Another big shout out for the Lampredi Twin Cam 4,s that powered some superb Fiats and Lancia’s from the 70’s though to the 90’s. My ‘tuned’ 131 Sport was a real peach. Although I preferred the four V6 Fords none was as good as the straight 6s I've had in a couple of Mercedes and six BMWs.
While I loved the sound of the V8 Rover P6B I had when I was 20 it was pretty gutless.
I'd love to try a V12 though!
Other great 4’s I’ve owned are the 2.0 16v unit in my Vectra CDX and my E60 520d.
Absolutely no issues with a 4 cylinder and prefer them on any motorcycle over 350cc.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff