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.....
   

__________________
Dr. Brad

2003 C320 4Matic Station Wagon
2002 C240 Elegance
1982 380 SEL Star Certified

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

__________________
1994 C280
2009 VW Tiguan
1993 Toyota X-tra Cab SE-5


1973 220D ... Gone, but not forgotten
1991 Alfa Romeo 164L Gone, wife MADE me forget it

2006 Hyundai Tucson... just straight out FORGOTTEN!

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?

__________________
Dr. Brad

2003 C320 4Matic Station Wagon
2002 C240 Elegance
1982 380 SEL Star Certified

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...

__________________
RM Smith
1988 560SL

"Where is it again that we are going, and why are we in this handbasket"?

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

__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

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

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

An engine with greater horsepower will climb the hill faster than an engine with greater torque, provided that the gearing allows the engine with the greater horsepower to achieve the rpm where the maximum horsepower is produced.

Focusing on torque is only applicable if there is no proper gearbox.

If a train leaves San Francisco traveling west at 120MPH at 7:00PM and another train leaves Katmandu traveling east at 73MPH and then . . .

__________________
" We have nothing to fear but the main stream media itself . . . ."- Adapted from Franklin D Roosevelt for the 21st century

OBK #55

1998 Lincoln Continental - Sold
Max 1984 300TD 285,000 miles - Sold
The Dee8gonator 1987 560SEC 196,000 miles - Sold
Orgasmatron - 2006 CLS500 90,000 miles
2002 C320 Wagon 122,000 miles
2016 AMG GTS 12,000 miles