If you're in the market for a vehicle and you're considering a V-6 versus V-8, knowing about the engine types and their advantages can be beneficial in your decision to purchase. Read on to find out more about V-6 versus V-8 engines to help determine which option is best suited for you.
Engine Types and What the 'V' in Engines Means
Automakers can produce a wide array of engine types to suit a variety of driving needs by altering the number and size of the cylinders, as well as their relationship with one another. Cylinder sizes will vary from engine to engine, but they are all the same size inside an individual engine. MechanicBase.com states that the way the cylinders are arranged in an engine is what gives a V-6 and a V-8 their designations. While some engine types have cylinders placed in a straight row, V-type engines have cylinders arranged in two opposite rows.
The two opposing rows of cylinders connect to each other in a V-like shape, and this configuration is common when more cylinders need to be placed in a compact space. When six or eight cylinders are placed in the V arrangement, it's designated as a V-6 or a V-8, respectively. So if you drive a model that has a V-6 that means there are two rows of three cylinders in the engine. A V-8 has two rows of four cylinders.
The V-6 and V-8 designs share several similarities. For one, these engines are generally lighter, and secondly, they tend to be more compact than other engine designs. The advantage of the lightweight and compact design of both V-6 and V-8 engine types is that w ith the exceptional balance in the vehicle design, the weight savings can improve the level of fuel efficiency.
Advantages of a V-6 vs. a V-8
If you're thinking about buying a V-6, there are several advantages that this engine type can offer over a V-8:
- The horsepower gain from a V-6 to a V-8 is minimal
- V-6 engines can offer some powerful towing capabilities
- V-6 engines make vehicles less nose-heavy when driving
- The V-6 can often provide more stability than a V-8
- A V-6 frequently offers better handling than a V-8
The reality is that the increase in horsepower you get when you go from a V-6 to a V-8 is relatively small. The Dodge Ram series is a prime example of this fact. According to the Green Garage Blog, you can get a 305 horsepower V-6 3.6-liter for under $36,000 that provides almost as much horsepower as some of the engine options in V-8 Chevy and Ford pickup trucks.
In fact, one of the best vehicle engines currently offers 420 pound-feet of torque with a 240-hp 3.0-liter V-6 design that can provide up to 29 miles per gallon on the open highway. You can get similar fuel efficiency results from the Ford F-150 and their EcoBoost engine technology.
Several great SUVs on the market can tow large amounts with a V-6 rather than a V-8 under the hood. A perfect example of this is the Ford Expedition EcoBoost V-7. This vehicle can tow up to 9200 pounds because of its 460 lb-ft of torque. This gives the Expedition the highest tow rating in its class.
The V-6 also makes weight less of an issue when driving around curves, corners, and turns. This is due to the fact that V-6 engines have two fewer cylinders. V-6 engines have improved performance compared to V-8 engines, especially when timing acceleration properly because there's less tendency to drift to the outer edge.
However, you can lose a little bit of the power ceiling with the weight advantage. So choosing a V-6 versus a V-8 can really depend on what you hope to achieve with your vehicle. Improved handling in a V-6 offers stability that a V-8 vehicle simply cannot match.
Advantages of a V-8 over a V-6
There are also several advantages of a V-8 engine that a V-6 just cannot offer. Some of these advantages include:
- More cargo capacity so you can haul more things and heavier stuff with a V-8 compared to a V-6
- V-8 cylinders tend to have more of a perpendicular angle within the engine
- V-8 engines have more power, which results in a higher power ceiling than a V-6
- A vehicle with a V-8 can be more beneficial for fulfilling worksite needs
One of the biggest reasons most car owners have a V-8 is because of the ability to haul something. You get extra power with a V-8 engine that's useful when you upgrade to something like the 5700-pound Cadillac Escalade.
You'll also find that with V-8 engines, you'll get a little more torque than you will with a V-6, although this difference can be quite small in some models. So if you need something heavy, you're better off with a power upgrade to ensure you accomplish what you need to.
Depending on the worksite situation, a large SUV, cargo van, or pickup with a V-8 — like the Ford F-150 — can provide an advantage in power. Whether it's hauling materials, towing equipment, or other worksite needs, a V-8 can provide better options.
V-6 vs. V-8: Which Is the Better Choice?
The advantages and disadvantages of a V-6 versus a V-8 will ultimately boil down to the power and performance that you want to get out of your vehicle. U.S. News explains that you should think about the purpose you have for your vehicle before choosing your engine type. For instance, you might opt for a V-6 engine if:
- You want improved handling and lighter weight
- Overall vehicle performance is an important factor for your purchase
- Improved fuel efficiency is one of your priorities
- The total of your vehicle purchase is one of your main concerns
Similarly, if you want to accomplish heavy tasks, and towing and hauling capabilities are a must, you might opt for a V-8 engine. Ultimately, your purchase depends on your overall daily work and personal transportation needs.
Sources:
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/v8-vs-v6-engines
https://greengarageblog.org/v6-vs-v8-12-pros-and-cons-of-v6-and-v8-engines
