Which engine is better for orverall performance, an American push rod engine or a Japanese DOHC engine?

Question

For example, the Nissan Titan vs. the Chevrolet Silverado or the Nissan 350Z vs the 6 cylinder Ford Mustang.

Answer 1

It's really all personal preference. They both have pros and cons.

I like them both for different reasons.

I really must say though - the 350Z vs. Mustang V6?? This is comparing apples to oranges. The performance version of the Mustang is the V8 GT model, the V6 is just a commuter.

Where as the truck comparison...what about Ford, they've had an overhead cam in their V8 trucks for several years now.

Also, Japanese makers squeeze massive amounts of power out of smaller engines (fours and sixes) due to high emission standards, small vehicle platforms, etc.

Answer 2

I own a shop, and if you will go to any race track, you will see the pushrod engines rule. I could care less about the "which is better" arguement, but I do go to the race track, and run my car & truck. Stick a turbo on a 350 Chevy engine, or nitrous on the Mustang. Better yet; stick both on either one of these engines, and they go down the track at unreal speeds. Dual Over Head Cams are great little street engines, but if you want one that will stay together, make plenty of power (on motor only) then go with the pushrod engine. DOHC engines are nothing new, and Chevy & Ford have used these too. If you check the history of these engines, you may be suprised to find out they have been around for a long time, and you may be suprised at who first used them. If you are looking for a thumbs up for the Japanese engines, you won't find it here, because both Chevy & Ford had these ideas a long time ago. Why they decided to stick with the pushrod engine is this; They are durable, they stay together over the long haul, and they don't ruin the pistions when the timing belt goes out. Both Chevy & Ford have had DOHC V block engines, and why they went back to the pushrod engine is simple. They stay together! If you want to know which is better for overall performance, go to any race track, and watch the race/races. I have yet to see any Japanese engine make it into the top eliminator at the track. When they start ruling the races, then I might consider them an equal or better, but until this happens I don't see me thinking they are better. Both Chevy & Ford had this technology years ago, but found out (the hard way) these engines failed. Due to the pushrod engines ability to flex in the valve train allows them to withstand abuse, whereas the overhead cam engine will blow up. These are just facts.
Glad to help out, Good Luck!!!

Answer 3

Jason when it comes to trucks the chevrolet silverado outpowers the toyotas like anything yet seen,both GMC/Chevrolet have won consistant awards for their engineering,maintainance costs and performances that they deliver.In the nissan 350z their 6 is not as powerful as the ford mustang 6 cylinder,but why not have a V8?

Answer 4

Pushrod engines re better overall.

Japanese automakers squeeze a lot of power out of a little package-maybe-but that comes at a cost. It's a lot more stressful on the engine.

Tried and true designers have stuck with pushrod engines. They last longer, are more reliable, and are easier and less expensive to repair when they break.

Answer 5

The Japanese without any comparison

Answer 6

of course the japanese one