That is, when you think of an X cylinder engine, which actual production motor is the best? Which one most embodies the spirit/character that you think of when you hear “X cylinders”?
For example, among four cylinder engines, you can either look at I4 (most mfrs) or H4 (Subaru, Porsche). I think the archetypical 4 cylinder engine is probably one of Honda’s K-series or F-series?
There are only a few 5 cylinder options, none of which I’m too familiar with so I’ll refrain from commenting.
6 cylinders is where it gets crowded, with I6, H6, and V6 (and you might even split narrow-V and wide-V!). For me, something I6 probably wins here, but even then there are so many options! RB20, S54, B58, 2JZ… Although, some would probably argue that the flat out best 6 cylinder engine is one of the wide-Vs found in the new hybrids like the 296 or Artura.
For 8cyl it’s hard to say no to the LS. The AMG 4.0 biturbo is pretty great too, and of course the flat plane LT6 or Voodoo are exceptional.
For 10 cylinders the LFA, Viper, and Audi/Lambo 5.2 come to mind. The 5.2 has to take it this category because of its durability. There are people making 1200+ whp all day on pump gas with those bad boys.
For the V12 you could go in a couple of directions too. Obviously Rolls and Bentley have been making incredibly smooth and luxurious V12s, while Lambo and Ferrari have a rich history of high revving naturally aspirated screaming V12s.
What are your favorites in each category and why?
If we’re talking about “enthusiast factors” like sound, fun, etc. (and not necessarily power, efficiency, etc.):
L3: Doesn’t really interest me, maybe an old Wartburg
L4: Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16v Cosworth motor (M102), many Honda engines and old Alfa Romeo engines
H4: Subaru obviously, not even the Porsche ones interest me that much.
L5: Audi and Volvo.
L6: BMW obviously, N/A or turbo form. I also like the Volvo S60 Polestar L6 twin turbo.
V6: Alfa Romeo and Nissan VQ. Also Honda/Toyota V6 has the capacity to sound very good.
H6: Porsche obviously.
V8: 5.0 Ford Coyote, BMW E92 M3 S65, many LS engines, Ferrari 355 5valve per cylinder. Ferrari-derived Maserati V8s from the early 2000’s/late 2000’s.
V10: even-firing Gallardo, the odd-firing 5.2 doesn’t interest me as much. Carrera GT with deep sounding exhaust, I’m not a fan of the high pitched LFA sound.
V12: Ferrari 812 Superfast, Ferrari F50, Murcielago LP640 moreso than the LP580, Mercedes-Benz M120 but ONLY in Pagani 7.3 form. BMW S70 series in McLaren form. Aston Martin N/A V12 with stock exhaust, don’t like when they’re too high pitched.