Are 4 cylinder engines better than 6 cylinder engines?

Question

I'm looking to buy a truck and I don't know what to buy, a 4 cylinder or a V6.

Answer 1

If you are buying a small truck, and not using it to carry heavy loads a 4 cyl will do. The pro's are that they are a little better at gas mileage (but if the 4cyl has to work harder, for instance when carrying a load your gas mileage will be lower.) Repairs, maintenance costs are less for 4cyl. because it takes less oil, it only has 4 plugs etc. The life of the engines is comparable, but if the 4cyl is having to work harder constantly that reduces its life.
If you have an automatic transmission it will need to change gears more than the 6cyl when you are accelerating etc.
The 6 cyl is a little more expensive when you purchase the vehicle. because many small trucks have 4 cyl as standard equip. and the 6 is an option. The 6 is a little harder on gas but only SLIGHTLY and upkeep is also SLIGHTLY higher.
The 6cyl will give you more torque, and accelerating power than the 4cyl. and doesn't need to work as hard when you carry a load. I sold Trucks, and have owned them. If you are not going to haul anything, and don't care about power, buy the 4cyl.
If you DO want to tow anything, carry a load. and like to have that extra power when you need it. Buy the 6cyl.
I would never buy a truck that was a 4cyl myself.

Answer 2

Depends on what your drivin. and the size, 1.8 litre or 2.4 litre? ofen a six will get the same fuel economy of a 4 and a 4 can have worse fuel economy then a six if it is a small 4 and a car that is too heavy. most import trucks are very light soa larger 4 would be fine, although cost wise a ford ranger with a 4 is VERY cheap. and reliabilty is only an issue if your gonna keep it over 5 years.
Usually the six in a truck is better if your gonna to use the truck for anything other then drivin around, load any weight in a 4 cylinder truck and it'll suck up gas.

Answer 3

I'd go with the 6. The difference is mileage won't amount to that much over a year. Figure it out to see. You'll be happier with the power of a V-6, and the resale is much better with a 6. I have a Ranger SC w/ a V-6 and get 15-16 in town and 20-22 on the road.

Answer 4

Honda makes some of the BEST 4 cyl engines in the business. They are more than powerful for most needs.

Answer 5

It really depends on what you plan to use you truck for? a daily driver back and forth to work or school occasionally moving small things.... a four cyl would be great (especially on gas) If you are using it to haul loads or tow a trailer, the V-6 has better power (but lacks on MPG) Heavy loads and continual towing V-8.

Answer 6

if your worried about gas savings get the 4 cyl., but if you want more power and a smoother running engine get the 6 cyl. The 6 cyl. engine doesn't have to work as hard as a 4 cyl. and they usually last longer.