Date: Thu, 01 Apr 1999 13:52:38 GMT From: bakernopsamnet (Tim Baker) Subject: Re: Saab 9-3 or a BMW 328i
On Thu, 01 Apr 1999 08:17:57 GMT, Riff <turbospgnopsamsouth.net> wrote: >"Who care if its the fastest 4 cylinder?" > > >I do! a 4 cyl is better than an 8cyl because it has >1 less internal friction Are you suggesting that the cyliners in a 4 cylinder engine glide easier than those in a V8? Granted a V8 has more moving parts which would translate to more overall friction. But, with this rationale, we should all have Briggs & Stratton air cooled engines in our cars. If this is truely the case, than why do all Formula 1 cars use V10 and V12 engines? Especially given the fact that they turn 15-18000rpms as a matter of normal use. I would think the fabricators of these spare no expense machines would want to take full advantage of that low internal friction of a 4 cylinder engine. >2 higher power to weight ratio That depends entirely on the size, materials used and the type of construction. The Mercedes V8 powerplant in a CART Champ car is smaller and lighter than a Saab 4 cylinder and produces in excess of 1000 hp. Have you ever seen the V8 engine in a Lotus Esprit? Its slightly larger, slightly lighter and much more powerful than the turbo 4 it replaced a few years back. >3 can be put in smaller compartment to have a better handling car. What was I thinking? Gee, I guess thats why Ferrari, Lotus, Lamborghini, Porsche 911, Corvette, Viper, NSX, Bugatti, Camaro, Firebird, Mustang, BMW 540i, Mercedes Benz C430, Lexus, Infinity, F1, CART, IRL, INDY Lites, and just about every other high performance, good handling car out there uses a 4 cylinder powerplant. Oh wait, none of these use a 4 cylinder powerplant. Duh. Good handling cars are not the result of smaller engine compartments and 4 cylinder engines. Good handling comes from proper engineering and good design. The Chevy Corvette comes to mind. Huge engine and engine compartment and incredible handling. And, lets not forget the Dodge Viper with its mammoth V10. >4 is easier to work on Oh really? In what way? >I have seen 500 hp 4cyl 8v 944 turbo's And, I have seen 900 HP cast iron push rod V8s in Chevrolet Corvettes. So what? >if SAAB could have a 3.0L 4, that would be cool Personally, I'd rather see an all aluminum narrow angle 3.0 liter DOHC 32 valve V8 easily and comfortably producing, lets say 270 HP, in a Saab. This would be much more efficient and reliable than an overbored and strung out stroked 4 cylinder engine any day. >Mark > Tim, agreeing to disagree > >Tim Baker wrote: >> >> >The Saab Turbo is one of it's kind, you don't find a 4 cylinder in that >> >region with that performance. >> >> This is the same thing they said about the Lotus Esprit. But, what >> kind of engine does that speedy little devil now sport? Can you say >> small displacement V8? I dont think your arguement for the for the 4 >> cyliner has much merit. Who care if its the fastest 4 cylinder? >> >>
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