The Difference Between a V6 and a V8 Engine Explained for Students in Auto Mechanic School

The Difference Between a V6 and a V8 Engine Explained for Students in Auto Mechanic School

Jan 21 mechanics schools
Whether a driver should opt for a V6 or a V8 internal combustion engine depends on many factors. These can include power, fuel economy, type of usage, maintenance costs, and the car owner’s personal taste. As an auto mechanic, it’s important to get familiar with both types of engines, their advantages and disadvantages, and the functions and purposes they have. Car engines have come a long way from their humble beginnings, and consumers today searching for something powerful and reliable under the hood have some excellent options in V6 and V8 varieties. 
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look to find out what separates these two engine types!

V6 Engines: What Students Enrolled in Auto Mechanic School Need to Know

Available in either 2.0L or 4.0L form, a V6 engine acts as a reliable midway point between the traditional four-cylinder engine and the more powerful V8. Because V6 engines offer more displacement than four-cylinders, Formula 1 teams have long trusted V6s as the go-to choice for racing cars. More lightweight and compact than older types of engines, V6s are also considered to provide better handling and stability than V8 engines. Additionally, they can handle heavy towing loads quite well—though this particular capability is stronger in a V8.

V6 engines are a good option for drivers wanting improved stability and handling
V6 engines are a good option for drivers wanting improved stability and handling

Those doing their auto mechanic training in Ontario should also know that V6 engines are less costly to maintain than V8s. They have fewer cylinders than a V8 engine, and therefore aren’t as heavy. V6 engines can also make it smoother for drivers to make turns, avoid drifting, or drive around curves. Although V6 engines aren’t as powerful as V8s, they are more cost-effective, and save more fuel for the car owner. Overall, V6 engines are a superior choice to V8s for car owners wanting better overall performance while saving money.

V8 Engines: Bigger, Stronger, Faster—But Are They Better?

With eight cylinders rather than just six, V8 engines are capable of producing more power. This allows vehicles with these engines to move faster, and the V8 also provides more torque than V6 engines. Although V8 engines are typically more powerful than V6s, it’s worth reminding auto mechanic school students that they do not offer as much fuel economy. As more cylinders are involved, more fuel is used. V8 engines also only represent a moderate amount more horsepower than a V6. That being said, V8s maintain a higher power ceiling than a V6, and can haul bigger loads due to a greater capacity for moving heavy cargo.

Those wanting greater power and speed should opt for V8 engines
Those wanting greater power and speed should opt for V8 engines

With the speed and power they provide, the V8 is typically better suited for high-performance vehicles. V8 engines are also more commonly used in cars with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive capabilities. If a car owner is looking for an engine that will be best suited for hauling heavy loads and providing the necessary power for bigger tasks, a V8 engine is the better option.
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