From XC60 to Porsche Macan or BMW X3?

[Arianne]

So I will admit that I am unsighted on what the difference is between a V6 diesel and a Straight Six one. But I know someone on this forum can enlighten me, in simple speak please.

More generally, where does one settle as manufacturers are always trailing new models, facelifts and revised engine options? On the basis that almost 80% of the car has new components I guess it might be a blessing that the engine is tried and tested? Who knows as there's plenty to go wrong with almost everything else!

As for Volvo..... Well I have tried the four cylinder unit and its alright but my previous experience of the D5 has been one of the initial reasons for sending me away from buying another Volvo. I do think the reliance on exclusively 4cyl units is too narrow for a company operating alongside the other premium brands. There is no doubt that the Ingenium JLR engine will be the biggest seller in the F-Pace with a forecast of about 70% but that still leaves 30% who want something other than extra turbos and chips to tease out the joy of the engine.

If I had a ceiling of £40k approx available for my next car then the F-Pace with the smaller engine would be under serious consideration, for sure. I would happily accept the performance and soundtrack as the overall package is stunning. If there's some more pennies in the budget and one enjoys the thrill of a V6 then I would personally view this as icing on the cake, certainly not essential by any means.

Roll on Saturday.

Arianne

[K5 Gus]

I'm by no stretch of the imagination a techie as far as engines are concerned, so with a huge caveat that this may be complete rubbish :-

My limited understanding is that a V6 will have a smoother power delivery, but a straight 6 will have better torque.

Over to those that understand these things to give a proper explanation of what and how and why

[wimorrison]

V6 was created to make engines shorter than staight 6 allowing bigger engines inside the same space that is used by a straight 4.

[Crockers]

Also I think you will find a V6 lighter. Mercedes when moving their diesels from straight to Vs experienced many problems. I should know as I was a first adopter. Went through 3 inlet port motors and at 90,000 the front crankshaft bearing went.

Have to admit customer service was excellent and even at 90,000 mile and 5 years they contributes 50% of the cost. A £7.50 bearing cost £3,000 to fit. Warranty Direct picked up the rest.

Would I have another? Yes. Lol. The problems are fixed now and there's nothing like that surge of power as you plant your foot down on a slip road to join a motorway.

The only problem now is that my car came without a DPF and I could tickle 50mpg. Doubt nos if it would be anything approaching that. But then the same can be said of the 5 pot D5.

So burning more fossil fuels is now environmentally good. Lol.

[Ninja59]

Biggest issue with an inline or straight 6 is the length of the dam thing...that is where a v6 wins hands down, and provides better packaging. Some do say they are cheaper to develop/make as some are stretched 4 cylinder designs.

Downside of the V6 really is the more complex nature of them, technically they are less balanced and therefore less smooth. Finally you will find the inline/straight provide more torque.

[wimorrison]

Any multi cylinder engine can be balanced to deliver smooth power delivery, though the best configuration is actually a straight 5 which delivers the power more evenly that any other engine, excepting a turbine.

There are lots of myths about the differences between v and inline, but the are myths - it is about size and weight and was largely driven by the desire to reuse as many components as possible yet deliver more power for transverse engines. As engine tech has become better the need for 6 or 8 cylinders has declined dramatically.

[Crockers]

I'm going to throw a spanner in the works.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PijI_e02Z0w

[St James]

As someone who has owned both a straight 6 petrol and diesel BMW, there's something magical about the sound they make..........particularly the petrol.

[andymcp]

It's all academic anyway since Volvo has decided on your behalf that the sweet melody of 4 cylinders slogging their guts out is the future you'd all like.

[Crockers]

From what I hear the tyre noise from the contis on the XC90 masks the 4pot.