What's the best* engine layout, V, Inline, Flat, or Rotary?
Also, does engine layout matter much to you in deciding what vehicle to get? Or do other things matter more? Why or why not?
*Best could mean quality, performance, MPG, longevity, balance, or whatever metrics you may like.
Best for what?
The layout could matter a little bit when you're buying, but at the end of the day you just look at the spec sheet and compare to others.
Yea, I voted but definitely application dependent. Something to not worry about tho imo... but good coffee table discussions.
pretty much
Honestly, each of them have their uses which is why I appreciate all of them. I personally love "inline" engines because they are naturally balanced and are easy to work on (mechanically less complex) compared to like a "V" engine. But then "V" engines are great for large engine/power applications (like 8 cyl; just imagine how an inline 8 engine would look lol). The design itself allows for more cylinders to be used in a more compact way.
The rotary is my all time favorite just because of the amount of power it puts out with its simplicity (only 3 moving parts) and compact size. Of course, it is not great on emissions and maintenance, which is why it's mainly used for racing applications.
And then the flat engine is my least favorite in my opinion due to its complexity, but it is a great engine for improving vehicle handling because of it's low center of mass (which is why Porsche mainly uses them, for handling purposes). It also has very minimal vibration compared to the other types, and it can technically be air-cooled because of the large surface area (although most are water cooled now).
I have a fascination with the inline 6 because it is supposedly perfectly balanced.
I also have a fascination with the rotary engine. Although as others have said, not too practical in terms of longevity.
And of course Boxer engines because they allow for a low venter of gravity.
I am fascinated the least with a V configuration. Nothing bad about them, and they do fit in smaller spaces. I just don’t have the awe like the other engines.
Yes. The Mazda rotary engine's are piles of junk for example but the inline and v6 (this is 2000's we are talking about) are a lot better.
Usually, the engine itself is more important. More like 25 years Toyota has been using a 1.8 Inline 4 in their Corolla, hence engine's are bulletproof. Subaru has been using Boxer engine designs whichi had tons of head gasket issues in the 90's and 2000's but now are getting better. Volvo has a turbo inline 5 cylinder. Every brand is unique. When it comes to daily A to B cars, an Inline 4 is the most common and typically more reliable.
Radial 😀✈
Have any of those been put into cars for mass production?
As I am familiar none of them. Otherwise I would (I already did when I bought it) pick inline engine because they are cheaper to maintain.
not in production
That'S wild.