Does Size Matter?
 

Which engine would have an easier time going up a steep hill:

1. A small 3.8 V8
2. A large 3.2 V6
   
   I was wondering what are the differences in terms or engine wear, power, engine strain etc.....
   

what do they have for a tranny and rear end? (did I just say that??? sorry hehe)

I guess we can ASSume that the transmissions are compatable.

In other words, I want to know which engine is theoretically working harder to put out horsepower, a smaller V8 or larger V6?

Ahhhh, Crap! I remember this debate from years ago, when the V6 resurfaced in autos. Wish I had taken notes!

V6 engines have been used in construction and allied equipment for a great many years before the Automobile. GM used V6 in PU trucks and Kaiser Jeeps used Buick's version, all in the early 60's. After the oil crunch of the 70's, V6's resurfaced as the "savior" by providing power and economy. Sure...

The most notable difference with the engines you mention is the Power-Pulse interval. There are those who will swear since the power pulses are closer together in the V8 as opposed to the V6, the V8 will provide more torque and last longer due to lower component strain. This is perhaps a generalization, and is a bit simplistic for the most part.

In your question, you ask for comparisons between a 3.8ltr V8, and a 3.2ltr V6. In this case, I have no doubt, with similar gearing, the 3.8ltr V8 will win about any contest. I base my answer simply on displacement. The 3.8ltr V8 is larger by some 36 or so cubic inches. No doubt the V8 will most likely be smoother running. This, too is too simplistic, simply because the bore/stroke of the engines can be configured so differently, and the compression ratios can vary a lot so that power output between the two can vary significantly. Couple this with SOHC, DOHC, etc valve-train designs, etc and the variables keep tallying.

Now, if all things were otherwise equal (engine design, valve train, etc), then I restate my belief the V8 will win any contest.

The best method of answering this question would to be to look at the power/torque curves v/s rpm. Typically, again a generalization, a V8 will develop its maximum Torque lower in the RPM band than a engine of similar size, but fewer cylinders. Torque is what you need to focus on, as HP is a function of torque.

All this said, the V8 will have an easier time pulling the grade...

I agree. In the most simple form, it's larger.

it is about 12 cu in, actually. 38 cu in would be around .6 liter.

it is a tough call cause the v6 will have larger cylinders. the displacement is close so the v6 might have torque coming on at a lower rpm.

remember the elsinore honda dirt bikes? a one cylinder 500cc. they were noted for their lugging power.

the v6 also might have a bit less internal friction loss.

and it would depend on the hill along with all the previously mentioned factors in the engine design.

so i think the answer is "it depends..."

interesting question. is it leading to a decision on your part?

tom w

It seems to me he's trying to compare the m116 3.8L V8 to the m113 3.2L V6 - these engines have such different designs (they're nearly 20 years apart) that its like apples and oranges.

3.8 minus 3.2 equal .6 No?

Oh!
 

:confused: I thought the "Does size matter thread" was about something else.

Never mind . . .

are we having a quiz later?

How YOU doin'?
 

See you over on the Mistress Heather thread!

All being equal/similar...bigga mo betta no?

Having 2 engines of equal displacement...I'd go for the L6:D
Between v6 and v8...I'd go for the 8. smooda mo betta
Didn't Mazda offer a coupe in the 80's w/ choice of small 6 or same size 4?


Now what uses more gas on a hill...top gear floored just maintaining x mph
or lower gear w/ just part throttle at x mph?

Back in my drag racing days we had two sayings: (1) Speed costs money. How fast do you want to go? (2) There is no substitue for cubic inches.

about cubic inches
 

"No replacement for displacement"
:vbac47679

5280Benz said: "No replacement for displacement"
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Ten-Four and a gallon on nitro on that one........bring on the hemis!!!