Is the V6 better than the V8, Should I stick with the V8 or V6?

In past generations, there was only one answer to the classic V6 vs V8 debate.

“There is no substitute for displacement.” But these days, inline and V6 engines make about the same—and sometimes as much—production as comparable V8 engines. In addition, fewer cylinders have certain advantages such as lightness and affordability. So are 6 cylinders enough or should you stick with the V8?

Is the V6 better than the V8? 

The V6 is not better than the V8. It is different and offers various advantages. Both engines are configured in a “V” shape. This means that a 6-cylinder engine has 2 banks of 3 cylinders and an 8-cylinder engine has 2 banks of 4 cylinders. Inline applications have cylinders arranged in a straight line, while flat engines have cylinders arranged horizontally. However, the V configuration, where the piston is attached to the crankshaft at its V-shaped base, is a popular choice for automakers.

Why choose 6 cylinders?

The V6 is better than the V8 in some respects. First, V6 applications are typically lighter than V8 engines, especially iron and steel workhorses. The weight savings often make front-heavy applications, such as front-engined V8 coupes, less and better handling. Additionally, in many situations, such as the Dodge Challenger’s Pentastar V6, V6s are cheaper than comparable 8-cylinder mills. Even better, forced intake, such as a turbocharger or supercharger, can boost the horsepower of a six-cylinder engine to V8 levels. For example, Kia’s 368 hp Stinger GT2 and 400 hp Nissan Z use twin-turbocharged V6 engines that rival V8 coupes like the S550 Ford Mustang GT.

Should I stick with the V8?

Even with the affordability, lightness and performance numbers of the forced-induction V6, the V8 has some advantages over its six-cylinder mill. First, V8s tend to put out a lot of horsepowers, even on naturally aspirated engines. For example, the Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack’s 6.4-litre V8 engine produces 485 horsepower without an additional turbo or supercharger. This large-displacement, the naturally-aspirated layout is popular with hot rodders and builders because it can boost the horsepower of their V8 with a bolt-on modification.

Of course, the best way to produce high horsepower in a V6 or V8 is forced induction via the spongy exhaust. After all, the V8 arguably sounds better than the comparable V6. For example, the 6.2-litre supercharged Hellcat V8 sings with a bass-like grunt and a wild howl. A Hollywood sound expert told Donut Media that the supercharged Dodge V8 is one of the best-sounding in the auto industry.

Conclusion 

One might imagine that the V8 is better for towing than the V6, and that’s mostly true. However, a supercharged V6 often has enough torque to easily tow. For example, according to reviews, the 5.0-litre V8 engine in the Ford F-150 produces 410 lb-ft of torque. However, the F-150’s twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 produces the same power with 500 lb-ft of torque.

As a result, the V6-equipped F-150 has a towing capacity of 14,000 lbs, compared to 13,000 lbs for the V8. Scroll down to the articles below to learn more about engines like the Coyote V8.

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