Turbocharged I-4 vs V-6 Engine

If you are looking to buy a vehicle, many people will argue about the benefits of choosing either a four-cylinder or a V-6 engine. While there are real reasons to choose one over the other, depending on what you’re hoping to get out of your vehicle, it is also important to realize that automotive technology has changed dramatically over the last several years. This means that smaller engines are doing more than they used to, and larger engines are using less fuel than they were. We’ll help to show you the differences between a turbocharged I-4 vs V-6 engine, and hopefully will guide your decision as you consider purchasing a new or used vehicle.  

Benefits of a 4-Cylinder Turbo Engine 

The physical difference between a four-cylinder engine and a V-6 engine lies in the difference in the number of cylinders. Larger displacement engines have more cylinders, and often the cylinders are in a V-shape inside the engine. This is how the V-6 engine gets it’s name. And I-4 engine simple means that the four cylinders are in a line, making it an inline-four-cylinder engine.

Read More: How Often Should I Change my Oil?

In order to achieve more power for the I-4, without decreasing fuel efficiency or increasing the number of cylinders, is to add a boosting system. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine will produce extra power, but only when necessary, making it a great option for those who are fuel-conscious. The down side of a turbocharged engine is that the power can be slightly delayed during acceleration. With a powerful engine, the push of the pedal elicits immediate speed, but a turbocharged I-4 will sometimes take a second or two before fully getting in on the action.

V-6 Engine vs Turbocharged I-4

When you decide to jump in and go with the more powerful V-6 engine option, you are sure to experience a few great benefits. First of all, the difference in power and quickness in acceleration will make for a more responsive driving experience. Secondly, you’ll notice a real dip in your fuel efficiency. While technology has allowed V-6 engines to become much more fuel efficient than they were, the difference between an I-4 and a V-6 is still noticeable.