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As a long time loyalist of the straight six engines(the Chrysler Slant Six and Ford 300 Six), I remain skeptical of today's V-shaped engines. There's just no better engine for power(low end torque) and overall durability than a straight six. Unfortunately, all of today's engines that I know of are V-Shaped.
Can someone please explain what the benefits of the V engine is besides the smaller, compact size?
I would point right back at packaging. Given equal time/money/tech spent on R&D I have little doubt that an I6 will feel smoother than an identical displacement V6. Although V6's have become refined enough that most people will have a hard time telling the difference.
The V-type of engine has two rows of cylinders at (usually) a ninety degree angle to each other. Its advantages are its short length, the great rigidity of the block, its heavy crankshaft, and attractive low profile (for a car with a low hood). This type of engine lends itself to very high compression ratios without block distortion under load, resistance to torsional vibration, and a shorter car length without losing passenger room.In-line engines have the cylinders arranged, one after the other, in a straight line. Almost all four cylinder engines are inline engines.overall,V type engines are better & more powerful. Various cylinder bank angles of Vee are used in different engines; depending on the number of cylinders, there may be angles that work better than others for stability. Very narrow angles of Vee combine some of the advantages of the Vee engine and the straight engine (primarily in the form of compactness) as well as disadvantages; the concept is an old one pioneered by Lancia, but recently reworked by Volkswagen Group. Some Vee configurations are well-balanced and smooth, while others are less smoothly running than their equivalent straight counterparts.[citation needed] With an optimal angle,[clarification needed] V16s have even firing order and exceptional balance. The V10 and crossplaneV8 engine can be balanced with counterweights on the crankshaft. V12s, being in effect two straight-6 engines married together, always have even firing and exceptional balance regardless of angle. Others, such as the V2, V4, V6, flatplane V8, and V10, show increased vibration and generally require balance shafts.
A W engine is a type of internal combustion engine which mimics the V engine commonly found in modern cars, with the exception that its shape resembles the letter "W" instead of the letter "V." It uses pistons to compress an air and fuel mixture which then ignites and moves the car forward. What's unique about the W engine is its ability to create lots of power while keeping its parts relatively compact so they take up less space. Whereas a typical V engine houses two groups of cylinders connected to one crankshaft, the W engine can house from three to four groups of cylinders connected to one or two crankshafts. In the automotive world, more cylinders equal more power. Volkswagon Group produced the first working W engine for use in automobiles, known as the W12. The W12 includes 12 cylinders divided into two groups of six, all connected to a single crankshaft. The engine is made from two VR6 engines connected to one crankshaft and is also referred to as a VV or VR engine, which more accurately describes it than the term W engine. Many of today's modern W engines contain multiple cylinders on either side. The modern versions look less like the original W shape than the first W3 engine did but still hold the advantage of packing more power than a V shaped engine without taking up too much extra space.
A V6 will still vibrate over a few RPM ranges in acceleration. Also, rev a V6 at standstill and watch the engine rock. Argument for the purest. For power, I-6 may just need to be built to deliver more torque to get their giant crankshaft spinning.
First, V configurations have dimensions that can fit in smaller engine bays better than straight configurations of the same cylinder count. Second, less torsional vibration of crankshaft and camshaft(s) makes said parts more durable (particularly applicable at 8+ cylinders). Third, less rotational mass at the crankshaft.
As a long time loyalist of the straight six engines(the Chrysler Slant Six and Ford 300 Six), I remain skeptical of today's V-shaped engines. There's just no better engine for power(low end torque) and overall durability than a straight six. Unfortunately, all of today's engines that I know of are V-Shaped.
Can someone please explain what the benefits of the V engine is besides the smaller, compact size?
Why do you think an I6 is more durable? Because it has one head instead of two? One camshaft? A minor difference in parts is probably not so material today.
No engine from the era you listed are as durable as a modern 4 cylinder Honda. Or a V6. Modern engines are vastly better, regardless of cylinder layout, than those engines. They have more power per displacement, consume less fuel, and burn much cleaner.
The most trouble free, smoothest engine design is the flat or 180 degree engine like the old Volkswagen engines. They require little to no balancing and have zero harmonics naturally. The next best engine platform would be an inline engine. They are far more stable than a V design and have some harmonic issues. You can create far more power/torque from an inline design which is why most diesel engines of huge capacities are inline. The V platform is popular because it's compact and fits in smaller places. It comes with a host of harmonic issues especially when the piston count per bank is an odd number. The reason why some of the V6s are so smooth- balance shafts, which increases the rotating mass. The Ford V10 uses offset rods to take some of the harmonics out of the engine otherwise it would tear itself apart. We all love our V engines regardless of how many pistons are in it but it's the poorest design out there. One that you'll be seeing is the headless engine. More than likely Volkswagen will have theirs certified by 2014 or so. It has only two pistons in one cylinder and they run towards each other to increase compression to about 60:1. With an after cooler, they are a zero emissions engine and they get FABULOUS fuel mileage and MUCHO horsepower. This engine platform has no harmonics. If you are familiar with the Dr Paul engine design, the Volks is very similar. Here's a vid on Dr Pauls engine- 900hp from a suitcase size engine in one cylinder.
Just for grins google the Napier Deltoid Diesel. It is an 18 cyl opposed piston engine arranged in a triangle.
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Delts opposed piston diesel
