Straight 6 Cylinder -v- V6

Tatts · 28th September 2007, 21:55

Just been talking with someone about cars in general and I was asked what advantages a straight 6 has over a V6 or vice versa.

I couldn't answer, I don't know. Apart from a V6 is more compact and therefore suitable for smaller engine bays.

Are there any advantages?

sworks · 28th September 2007, 22:18

V sounds nicer

Keith · 29th September 2007, 21:24

My stright six in my 17 year old BMW sounds great driving the back wheels etc not sure it would work quite so well in a transverse config though.

< N I C K > · 30th September 2007, 10:16

Apparently straight sixes have a smoother power delivery.

Jamie · 1st October 2007, 08:54

different Firing configurations lead to a different exhaust notes, you may remember the old ford 3.0 V6 essex engines back in the old Granadas and Capris...one of the best sounding V6s I have ever heard...they tend to Burble.

Straight sixes on the other hand tend to 'Wail' especially at high rpm...my old BM and my Old Celica supra both sounded ace when being pushed hard.

Straight sixes tend to be simpler to maintain and engine components easier to get too as its not all crammed in against the inner wings.

as far as power outputs are concerned, its difficult to say one is better than the other as there are so many examples of each.

Keith · 1st October 2007, 09:05

I am inclined to agree with Jamie

Although the straight six in my old Triumph 2.5 used to thunder a bit rather than wail

From a comparison point of view

My BMW 325i, 17 years old, 177 BHP, 0-60 in around 8 seconds, sounds brilliant approx 25 MPG belt and oil changes needed quite regularly.

Apart from the oil and belt changes frequency does that spec seem similar to a certain V6?

Pete · 1st October 2007, 11:22

An in-line 6 has arguably the best engineering balance possible and is recognised for the engineering advantages the configuration can bring in better power delivery and smoothness over other variations. However the gap in such criteria has become much smaller and the packaging advantages of a V-formation does mean that the V6 is a popular alternative, although such engines do tend to be more peaky in torque delivery in practice. If you go back to the original Honda V6 in the Rover 825 you will see what was a more extreme problem in this respect; lovely smooth V6 motor but utterly gutless below about 4,000RPM.

Per Ardua · 1st October 2007, 15:41

I always assumed that IC engines arranged in a V formation give much lower vertical vibrations than a straight engine - apparently to do with balanced forces around the 90 degree angle.

Hence the choice of V8s for old limos.

I could be wrong.

stocktake · 1st October 2007, 16:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith

Although the straight six in my old Triumph 2.5 used to thunder a bit rather than wail

This may look familiar to you then Keith?

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...img&imgid=2183

fitted into this...

Scary to drive I assure you

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...img&imgid=2184

Keith · 1st October 2007, 17:00

Yes that the thing
Safe as houses even with the carbs pouring petrol all over the exhaust manifold :SHOCKED:

I got bored with mine so did a Auto to Manual with OD conversion.
OD now why don't modern cars have OD anymore?

28th September 2007, 21:55	#1
Tatts This is my second home MG6 TL Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tarn Posts: 5,269 Thanks: 2 Thanked 46 Times in 37 Posts	Straight 6 Cylinder -v- V6 Just been talking with someone about cars in general and I was asked what advantages a straight 6 has over a V6 or vice versa. I couldn't answer, I don't know. Apart from a V6 is more compact and therefore suitable for smaller engine bays. Are there any advantages?

28th September 2007, 22:18	#2
sworks Been absent for a while… Rover 75 Tourer, Classic mini Cooper S, Abarth 595 competizione, MG TF and a Hyundai Tucson PHEV Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cumbria Posts: 13,065 Thanks: 1,033 Thanked 1,686 Times in 1,040 Posts	V sounds nicer __________________ ................................................. 'Marmite' Possibly one of the most famous 75 tourers produced! left the production line as the last of only Three Rover 75 tourers produced in Trophy Yellow. 48 hours later Longbridge closed. The last sold ordered 75 Tourer. Paid for by the Phoenix Four and handed over by John Towers to the Warwickshire Northampton Air ambulance service as a Rapid Response vehicle

1st October 2007, 08:54	#5
Jamie Posted a thing or two In Limbo Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Cheshire Posts: 1,685 Thanks: 4 Thanked 12 Times in 6 Posts	different Firing configurations lead to a different exhaust notes, you may remember the old ford 3.0 V6 essex engines back in the old Granadas and Capris...one of the best sounding V6s I have ever heard...they tend to Burble. Straight sixes on the other hand tend to 'Wail' especially at high rpm...my old BM and my Old Celica supra both sounded ace when being pushed hard. Straight sixes tend to be simpler to maintain and engine components easier to get too as its not all crammed in against the inner wings. as far as power outputs are concerned, its difficult to say one is better than the other as there are so many examples of each. __________________ Finally given up trying to buy the last new rover V8 from Bristol, 2 years of haggling got me nowhere!

1st October 2007, 11:22	#7
Pete Owners Club Director Rover 75 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sherfield-on-Loddon Posts: 4,872 Thanks: 137 Thanked 996 Times in 444 Posts	An in-line 6 has arguably the best engineering balance possible and is recognised for the engineering advantages the configuration can bring in better power delivery and smoothness over other variations. However the gap in such criteria has become much smaller and the packaging advantages of a V-formation does mean that the V6 is a popular alternative, although such engines do tend to be more peaky in torque delivery in practice. If you go back to the original Honda V6 in the Rover 825 you will see what was a more extreme problem in this respect; lovely smooth V6 motor but utterly gutless below about 4,000RPM. __________________ Follow The Club On Twitter

29th September 2007, 21:24	#3
Keith This is my second home ZT400 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ellesmere Posts: 5,948 Thanks: 0 Thanked 43 Times in 29 Posts	My stright six in my 17 year old BMW sounds great driving the back wheels etc not sure it would work quite so well in a transverse config though.

30th September 2007, 10:16	#4
< N I C K > Avid contributor Rover 75 2.5 KV6 Manual Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Wellington Posts: 122 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Apparently straight sixes have a smoother power delivery.

1st October 2007, 09:05	#6
Keith This is my second home ZT400 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ellesmere Posts: 5,948 Thanks: 0 Thanked 43 Times in 29 Posts	I am inclined to agree with Jamie Although the straight six in my old Triumph 2.5 used to thunder a bit rather than wail From a comparison point of view My BMW 325i, 17 years old, 177 BHP, 0-60 in around 8 seconds, sounds brilliant approx 25 MPG belt and oil changes needed quite regularly. Apart from the oil and belt changes frequency does that spec seem similar to a certain V6?

1st October 2007, 15:41	#8
Per Ardua Loves to post ZT-T 190+ Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sipping fine port in a drawing room in Sleaford, Lincs. Posts: 373 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I always assumed that IC engines arranged in a V formation give much lower vertical vibrations than a straight engine - apparently to do with balanced forces around the 90 degree angle. Hence the choice of V8s for old limos. I could be wrong.

1st October 2007, 17:00	#10
Keith This is my second home ZT400 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ellesmere Posts: 5,948 Thanks: 0 Thanked 43 Times in 29 Posts	Yes that the thing Safe as houses even with the carbs pouring petrol all over the exhaust manifold :SHOCKED: I got bored with mine so did a Auto to Manual with OD conversion. OD now why don't modern cars have OD anymore?