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From: rs55611@ihuxk.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: 'v8, sixes and torque'
Message-ID: <355@ihuxk.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 14-Jun-83 12:40:10 EDT
Article-I.D.: ihuxk.355
Posted: Tue Jun 14 12:40:10 1983
Date-Received: Thu, 16-Jun-83 02:04:04 EDT
References: <2078@teklabs.UUCP>
Organization: BTL Naperville, Il.
Lines: 13

Yes, your point is basically correct.  Perhaps a better statement 
is that larger engine displacement provides greater torque, and since
most V-8s are larger than most sixes, typical V-8s have greater torque.
As you said, however, if you compare an 8-cylinder and a 6-cylinder
engine of equal displacement, the six will typically provide more torque.
The disadvantages of the equal-size six are 1)lack of smoothness, compared
to an eight, and 2)higher piston mass and inertia.

Thus, the equal-size eight would probably rev higher (given a supportive
valve train), and could have other advantages in terms of more even
fuel burning in the smaller cylinders.  As another example, old
BSA single-cylinder 500 cc bikes (thumpers?) have great gobs of
torque, but are very tiring to ride, from all the vibrations.