This is for tyical 4cyls of yesteryear;
4cyls are typically rev-happy as well as noisy and underpowered. That being said, the extra revs supposedly shorten the life of the engine and the extra noise makes it seem as if it's working harder. Sometimes these engines are pushed harder because they don't deliver enough power. That can sometimes be a good thing if it's done judiciously as there will be less buildup of crud in the engine. Obviously this is only true if the owner takes care of the engine (changes the oil, etc.)

Now on to a turbocharged Saab engine;
It is not rev-happy. It makes much more torque and power than is needed at lower revs. It is not buzzy but smooth and quiet. It is also more efficient than larger engines with more cylinders as it weighs less, generally makes the same power (sometimes more), and uses the exhaust gases to its benefit.

Per normally aspirated 4cyl engines; I really don't think they last any less. Just think about all the Honda Civics or Saturns out there with 150K miles. These days, it's not the engine you need to worry about. Perhaps I'm wrong but I think the claim that 4cyls don't last as long because they supposedly work harder is no longer true.

ps. I've had the following cars
1973 Olds with a 350 V8
1976 Olds with a 350 V8
1981 Rabbit I4 (inline 4) (I miss this one)
1984 Dodge Charger I4 (all-around bad car)
1984 Ford Bronco II V6 (lots of trouble with this one)
1992 Mercury Cougar V6 (lots of trouble with this one too)
198X Hyundai I4 (water pump went. Don't laugh; I got it for free)
1993 Civic Si I4 (no trouble)
1994 Saturn SC2 I4 (no trouble. More low end torque than Civic)
1999 Saab 9-3SE I4 turbo (no trouble at 56K miles) By far my favorite car.

Guess which one had a blown head-gasket? The 1976 Olds Cutlass with a 350.

Obviously, the Saab out-classes them all and is certainly my favorite. I'l probably buy another one when the time comes.

Best of luck,
Bill


posted by 64.3.1...

• myth or reality 4 cyl's work harder, anthonmy g, Thu, 24 Jan 2002 22:31:57
  • Reality, JWH, Fri, 25 Jan 2002 10:37:30
  • head gaskets, Dean, Fri, 25 Jan 2002 10:27:35
  • Re: myth or reality 4 cyl's work harder, Bill D, Fri, 25 Jan 2002 10:15:24
  • Re: myth or reality 4 cyl's work harder, amtsst, Fri, 25 Jan 2002 09:40:28
  • Re: myth or reality 4 cyl's work harder, EJ, Fri, 25 Jan 2002 09:17:31
  • Re: myth or reality 4 cyl's work harder, Jeff, Fri, 25 Jan 2002 09:06:08
  • Great question (which may lead to much debate), Schu, Fri, 25 Jan 2002 07:29:40 <-- Viewing This Message
    • Re: Great question (which may lead to much debate), Will, Fri, 25 Jan 2002 08:29:31

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