whats the diff between parallel twin and inline 4?

Question

like, how do they effect performance

Answer 1

one has two pistons the other has four.

Answer 2

Parallel twin: both pistons go up at the same time so need a counterbalancer like a single. One fires one revolution, the other fires the other and for an engine with the same displacement as a four the "hits" are bigger. I don't know of any parallel twins where one piston is 180 degrees offset in rotation since this would make them fire at zero and 180 degrees -- 540 degrees of rotation with no hit might as well be a thumper.

Inline four: typically two outer pistons go up while the inner two go down, then they reverse roles (obviously) and so there is good balance without a counterbalancer. One piston fires every 180 degrees so that power is more even.

Better natural balance (no energy wasted spinning a counterbalancer) means the 4 can rev higher and provide more power than the 2.

Answer 3

Parallel twin= 2 cylinders 1 on left 1 on right.
In-line 4= 4 in a row running left to right or front to back.

If a twin and a 4 are the same displacement the reciprocating mass is reduced per cylinder in the 4 and it will have a shorter stroke (lower piston speed). All other things equal the 4 will turn higher RPMs and have more HP. It will also be quite a bit bigger and heavier. This is meant as a general description and assumes all other technology is equal. They "feel" very different and are both fun to ride.

Answer 4

A parallel twin is 2 cylinders running parallel (like an olt Triumph or Norton).
An inline 4 is a line of 4 cylinders.
The difference is that you cannot call a twin a "line" of cylinders. Therefore parallel twin (as opposed to V-twin Harley: V formation)
You can get inline 4s both across the frame (CBR Hondas, ZX Kawasaki etc) and along (BMW K1).
Hope that answers

Answer 5

In a boat it`s called a V4 or a straight 4. A v4 has offset cyl`s , a parallel 4,( Flat)motors. where the cylinders are 180 degrees apart ie: volkswagon beetle air cooled . If the 2 cylinders are beside each other it`s usually called a twin. ie: Noton 650 Twin. Both cylinders were beside each other. As for cars , see the first part , but think about the same thing only in 4 stroke

Answer 6

A parallel twin (vertical twin) is like an old Triumph 650 Bonneville.
An inline 4 is like an old Honda 750.

Answer 7

Others have told you what the two engine descriptions mean, and one has touched on performance - but only just.

Basically, all else being equal, the four cylinder motor will have more power while the twin will have more torque - so the 4 will go faster, but the twin will feel "gruntier".

The four cylinder motor will also be quite a lot smoother.