Question of the Day: How Many Cylinders Will Your Next Engine Have?

JN March 27th, 2008 6:11 PM Link

Probably a V-8. If they offer the direct injected V6 in the G8, I might opt for that.

john March 27th, 2008 6:17 PM Link

It looks to be an Ecotec 2.0l d.i. turbo. 260HP and 29mpg’s! Can’t go wrong there. I am certain I could achieve better mileage though.

Ken March 27th, 2008 6:20 PM Link

Tested the Saturn Outlook but bought a Toyota Sienna because of better fuel economy. Would have preferred a B Class Mercedes as sold in Europe with a 4 cylinder diesel & will trade for one as soon as they reach these shores. Fuel economy is far more important to me than horsepower.

David March 27th, 2008 6:24 PM Link

4 cylinders at the most. It’ll probably have a turbo-charger or super-charger, and it will probably be a diesel, but I don’t need V8 power for anything I’m interested in doing with a car. Fuel efficiency is important, and I prefer sporty handling to blinding acceleration anyway. The tough part, of course, is finding fun cars that are easy on fuel–I’m thinking there is a big market there for people who have accepted that the sports car of the future is more autox oriented than drag racing oriented.

Rubén March 27th, 2008 6:26 PM Link

Probably a 4 cilinders, but I dream with the new M3 V8.

Kroum March 27th, 2008 6:33 PM Link

A turbocharged V6: either the Saab Turbo X (highest probability), or the BMW 335xi coupe.

GH March 27th, 2008 6:45 PM Link

2

hwyhobo March 27th, 2008 6:46 PM Link

I’d rather it had an electric motor, but with ICE it will be 4.

Ricky March 27th, 2008 7:08 PM Link

I miss the days of a good ol’ high winding straight-6!

Mena March 27th, 2008 7:13 PM Link

I’ll be replacing my wife’s truck within a couple of years and that will have a diesel 6 or 8 cyl or maybe I’ll get another 1/2 ton with a V8 or DI turbo 6 cyl if they’re out by then. My car will either be a turbo DI 4 cyl or a turbo DI 6 cyl. We’re also considering a RV and that will be a diesel V8 or NA V10.

Mena March 27th, 2008 7:22 PM Link

The tough part, of course, is finding fun cars that are easy on fuel

My Solstice GXP gets 28 mpg easily with having some fun too. If you have a light foot and drive primarily on freeways, 30 mpg is no problem. It’s not Corvette fast in a straight line but it still manages a high 13 second 1/4 mile time. Plenty fast for most people. More importantly, the car handles and grips very well and has dominated SCCA in 2007.

I have to be honest though and say that the level of grip offered by the stock tires is not enough for me and the stock suspension has a bit too much body roll although the ride is fantastic. Nothing a tire change and the GM performance suspension can’t cure though. Ironically, most of the owners change the tires to much stickier versions upon delivery or shortly afterwards.

Jeff March 27th, 2008 7:27 PM Link

Four, most likely. Either a Cooper S or Audi TT.

chuck goolsbee March 27th, 2008 7:31 PM Link

4, 6, whatever it takes… so long as it is a Diesel.

–chuck
http://chuck.goolsbee.org

Michael March 27th, 2008 7:44 PM Link

Somewhere between 4 and 6. But most likely 4. But it will be somewhat interesting to drive. Everything is relevant, but it won’t be the most boring thing out there.

Olivier March 27th, 2008 7:49 PM Link

A multiple of 3. They sound better.

mo March 27th, 2008 7:49 PM Link

OMG ….. mena, yo’ have a GXP, you are the first girl i find to be interested in cars (i mean you are a car person yourself) …….. will you marry me???

mo March 27th, 2008 7:50 PM Link

ohhh the question in hand….. i almost forgot. i don’t care what engine i would have for my next car. i don’t look at the output, but rather on the power(hp or torque) to weight ratio. this is a far better indication of the car abilities than looking only at the power. my current T-Blazer has great power and torque (even though i am pissed off because in the UAE, where i used to live, the inline six gives 295 hp instead of 275). i never though of fuel economy with the T-blazer, but i am not complaining about it which means it is sort of good.

texan March 27th, 2008 8:01 PM Link

It will be a 4 cylinder diesel from Honda or Subaru.

texan March 27th, 2008 8:02 PM Link

It will be a 4 cylinder diesel from Honda or Subaru (whoever gets there first).

Llama Money March 27th, 2008 8:07 PM Link

Most likely my next car will be a 4 cylinder hybrid. If money is more plentiful, then I’d much rather have some sort of forced induction six cylinder. No more V8’s for me, sadly. Way too much gas.

Steve March 27th, 2008 8:10 PM Link

Most likely a 4-cylinder… With a turbo!

Steve March 27th, 2008 8:11 PM Link

And, I will say… It won’t be a 4-cylinder turbo for purely economic reasons… But, rather… The cars that I’m interested in these days are mostly coming with 4-cylinder turbos.

Wes March 27th, 2008 8:11 PM Link

Probably a 4 cylinder VTEC from Honda, but I long for V6 power.

Pablo B March 27th, 2008 8:17 PM Link

Zero cylinders.

I’m holding out on my next new car purchase for a couple of years in hopes of an all-electric highway speed road car.

choochoo March 27th, 2008 8:28 PM Link

1

80cc of Honda power

bmwloco March 27th, 2008 8:43 PM Link

2 cylinder turbo diesel. I the rear of the vehicle thanks.

Until then. 50cc scooter with a bigger variator and hot pipe.

‘85 VW Westy when it’s too cold.

Bill Bennett March 27th, 2008 8:54 PM Link

5 cylinder 20 valve turbo

David J Corcoran March 27th, 2008 9:00 PM Link

4 cylinder 5 speed standard cab short bed 2wd Ford Ranger

Mena March 27th, 2008 9:02 PM Link

OMG ….. mena, yo’ have a GXP

Don’t let the name fool you, I’m a dude.

Dane March 27th, 2008 9:04 PM Link

Four….

Never again anything bigger….

Cicero March 27th, 2008 9:06 PM Link

8 cylinder turbo diesel

Russ Bellinis March 27th, 2008 9:07 PM Link

I’m 62 and retired. I have a 1987 Trans Am that I’m building. It isn’t stock, but not really a hot rod, just a slightly modified driver. I also have a Dodge Dakota pick up, and my wife drives a Saturn Lw-2 with a 4 cylinder Ecotec. Unless one of us “totals” one of the vehicles, I probably won’t buy another vehicle in my lifetime. If I did, however, and wanted a V8 I wouldn’t hesitate. On the Trans Am, I changed the oil last June. I have put about 2000 miles on it since then and at the rate I’m going, I will probably do another oil change next June. When you only put 3000 miles on a car per year, gas mileage isn’t an issue. If I was working again and commuting 50 miles a day, a more fuel efficient vehicle would be important to me.

omg March 27th, 2008 9:40 PM Link

4 i think, its enought for normal city/everyday car

intensive driving March 27th, 2008 9:57 PM Link

4; in a Caterham 7.

bepsf March 27th, 2008 10:04 PM Link

“OMG…Mena…”
…….. will you marry me???”

“Don’t let the name fool you, I’m a dude.”

Hahaha - the homophobe Mo just proposed to a guy!

Anyways - back to the Question
4 or 5 - preferably Turbodiesel.

A Carriere March 27th, 2008 10:13 PM Link

My current car has a 2.5L 4 cyl. which is gutless unless you red line it in at least first 3 gears. My next car which will be soon has a 3.0 6 cyl. with almost as good mileage 32per gallon thanks to variable valve timing and 6speed tranny.

mo March 27th, 2008 10:21 PM Link

NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

what kind of dudes calls himself “mena”. that is a girl’s name. i am gonna admit though, it is kinda funny. what an embarrassing mistake.

Mike F. March 27th, 2008 10:21 PM Link

Probably 4, maybe 5 or 6 though. Maybe after that I’ll go for none: just an electric motor

The King March 27th, 2008 10:31 PM Link

None. Tesla.

southern March 27th, 2008 10:39 PM Link

Just bot a V6 300 HP caddy CTS.
Not at all sorry. Love it!

Next one is 5-6 years away and I don’t know what will be offered………

But I am not opposed to a refined 4 cyl Tubo DI Diesel putting out 275/300 HP and getting 35 MPG………

John Patterson March 27th, 2008 10:42 PM Link

Hopefully 5 in an Audi TT RS. My 1.8 T four cylinder Audi TT will be getting a bit tired by the time the RS gets here. (If it does.)

David March 27th, 2008 10:47 PM Link

16

VMMVMMM March 27th, 2008 11:11 PM Link

My next will definitely be a 4. I currently own a 4 cylinder MINI Cooper S and a 6 cylinder Saturn Outlook. Both were purchased with a heavy consideration on fuel economy. The Saturn had the highest economy for an 8 passenger vehicle that could tow a small trailer, and better than or equal to any minivan on the market. The MINI is the perfect combination of beyond belief fun and uber practicality. I couldn’t dream of a more perfect car.

Ducati Minor March 27th, 2008 11:30 PM Link

Depends. If I jump in a Volvo P1800, it will be four. If I grab my E-body Plymouth ‘Cuda, then eight. My primary vehicle will be a two-wheeler, so I won’t feel guilty about the Mopar.

Ducati Minor March 27th, 2008 11:31 PM Link

If I were considering a new car, however, it would be four: a Mitsu Lancer, Saturn Astra, or a Ford Focus.

Austin March 27th, 2008 11:39 PM Link

I’d like to see a small displacement V-6 hybrid for my next large minivan. 2.6 fo 3.0 would about do me.

If they can return mileage improvements (%) consistent with GM’s large SUVs, it’s a home run and I think it would be a bit snappier off the line to boot.

Randy March 28th, 2008 12:05 AM Link

My car currently has a 4-cyl, but I’ll be swapping in a V8 as soon as I can save up the cash. 2 mile commute FTW!

Jonathan Fung March 28th, 2008 1:09 AM Link

I’m looking at a turbo four. As in the Mazdaspeed 3.

secret asian man March 28th, 2008 1:26 AM Link

8. Possibly more.

I’ll conserve gas the day Al Gore flies coach.

Eljay March 28th, 2008 2:30 AM Link

With my current financial status:0.It’ll be a bus pass.Should I win the lottery:8.It’ll be an IS-F.

george March 28th, 2008 2:51 AM Link

We don’t need no stinking cylinders Mazda RX9

JR March 28th, 2008 6:36 AM Link

I’d best like a single turbo straight 6.

Mark March 28th, 2008 7:13 AM Link

I love the 3.6 DI in my CTS, maybe the next generation will be a 3.0 DI and a turbocharged variant for the performance models. Performance is more important than MPG’s…at least at the current cost of gas.

Brad March 28th, 2008 8:35 AM Link

4. I just don’t need that much more power and I want good gas mileage. I’m probably going to look at a Mazda 3, Acura TSX, Civic Si, or possibly even a Mini but I think it might just be too small.

Dustin March 28th, 2008 10:09 AM Link

Boxer 6… 3.4L

Paul In Jersey March 28th, 2008 10:16 AM Link

Since I’ve already got something with two, something with four and something with six, but my two replaced a three, and I’ve never had a one, and maybe my six could be replaced with a five. But misses paul in jersey doesn’t like anything with a five unless it’s older, so that would have to supplement the four. But I don’t want to part with the four. So that would mean having a two, a four, a five and a six. Or, I could get a one, add that to the four, which would be like a five, or add it to the two, so that would be like the old three. Well, maybe not as it wouldn’t have a counterbalance shaft.

So I think I’ll get a one. When are those economic stimulus checks showing up? That and some old change should get a one.

Texas_Dude March 28th, 2008 10:53 AM Link

I’m already leading a Duratech life.

05 2.0L Duratech Ford Focus (stock): Real tested avg MPG: 34
08 2.3L Duratech Ford Ranger(lifted 5″): Real tested avg MPG: 26

AlfaElan March 28th, 2008 12:27 PM Link

Next car I drive? Since I drove the SVT Focus today it will be a 4. Five cars - three 4 cylinder, 1 straight 6 and one V8 - only the straight 6 in the Volvo 960 Wagon is a dog. The others all handle great, and get decent mileage, with the two 30+ year old cars getting the best mileage, but then they weigh 2400lbs and 1500lbs.

Cars Cyl MYR Weight City MPG Highway MPG
1 4 ‘69 1500 28 ~33 (best 42 old engine)
2 4 ‘72 2400 24 ~30 (1989 engine)
3 6 ‘97 3650 18 25
4 8 ‘02 3245 19 27
5 4 ‘03 2750 22 28

The next car we buy? Probably a V6 or straight 6 since we would be replacing the Volvo and would want a CAR, not an SUV or truck, that will seat at least 5 preferably 7, and tow between 3,000 and 3,500 lbs. Since it won’t be for a few years it is hard to say what it will be exactly. I’d love a CTS V Wagon, but it will probably be a Taurus X, or Outlook or something similar. Anyone have a lowering kit for the either of those?

Dan March 28th, 2008 12:47 PM Link

3 (Smart ForTwo)

nick goddard March 28th, 2008 1:36 PM Link

i’m not buying another car until i can afford a v8. Either a factory five cobra or a corvette. riding to work and saving my pennies. RAWR

Mark March 28th, 2008 2:00 PM Link

Next is a V8 in a G8 this fall!

Fritz March 28th, 2008 2:21 PM Link

We have a pair of 2.0L four cylinders. Will buy another four cylinder when the time comes. Aiming for 35+ mpg on the open road. 7 mile commute so the mileage shouldn’t matter but it does to me.

What I want is a plug-in hybrid or a full hybrid (prefer this) with a 75 mile range. Would not need anymore range for my local driving. Keep an ICE vehicle in the garage for trips to grandmas house.

Been looking at rooftop solar for years, might take the plunge in the next year or so.

Ultimately, full solar installation with an EV that I can drive.

Mena March 28th, 2008 2:31 PM Link

Outlook or something similar.

Um. The Saturn Outlook? That’s an SUV not a car.

Texas_Dude March 28th, 2008 6:05 PM Link

@Fritz: We are considering roof top solar too. A little off-topic (ok way off topic) but what do you think of the leasing programs for solar systems?

Trinks March 28th, 2008 9:55 PM Link

four cylinder Honda Fit, with enough change left over for a nice starter bike.

Bruce March 28th, 2008 11:32 PM Link

diesel V-8

X3 SoB March 31st, 2008 11:40 AM Link

I want a three cylinder diesel series-hybrid. Doubt one will be will be available soon, though.

Gandhi April 5th, 2008 5:15 PM Link

6.