The little I remember of kinematics WRT IC engine configurations is that an inline 6 is naturally smoother than other configurations due to not inducing secondary moments on the crank. Yet, a shorter crank (and engine) allows for a lot of options to improve the whole system - the car.

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'82 300SD - 361K mi - "Blue"

"Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement."

listen, look, .........and duck.