3-Cylinder Engine vs 4-Cylinder

Advantages of 3-Cylinder Engines

Less Friction: This type of internal combustion engine uses three cylinders, which reduces friction created by the metal-to-metal movement of the engine.

Fewer Emissions: When it comes to emissions, 3-cylinder engines produce fewer emissions. Since the engine is smaller, fuel consumption is reduced, which leads to fewer emissions.

Less Raw Material Usage: The 3-cylinder engine cars in India require less raw material for the manufacture of engines as they only require 3 cylinders compared to the 4-cylinder engine.

Lower Cost: A 3-cylinder engine costs less than a 4-cylinder engine, as it requires less raw material. Vehicles with such engines are affordable options in the market.

Advantages of 4-Cylinder Engines

Equal Power Distribution: The 4-cylinder engine has no area for firing when the crankshaft is rotating, which is why it distributes the power evenly.

More Responsive: Another significant factor is responsiveness. The 4-cylinder engine is more responsive because of the absence of lag in the engine firing order.

Smooth Operation: These engines offer smoother operation than the 3-cylinder engine due to the balanced firing order.

Refined Engine: These engines are refined and can work for long hours without any interruption compared to the 3-cylinder engine.

Let's have a look at the disadvantages of 3-cylinder vs 4-cylinder engine life in detail.

Disadvantages of 3-Cylinder Engine

Less Responsive Engine: This type of internal combustion engine has only 3 cylinders, so its response time is a bit slow. However, the difference seems to be negligible and can only be noticed by those who have driven a 4-cylinder engine car.

Higher Engine Noise: The 3-cylinder engine is smaller in size, which means it has to work hard to generate power and torque. Due to this, engine noise is higher.

Vibrations: The firing order of 3-cylinder engines is uneven, which can produce more vibrations, which results in a less comfortable ride for passengers.

Disadvantages of 4-Cylinder Engine

Higher Emissions: The 4-cylinder engine produces higher emissions due to its larger size and higher power output.

Lower Fuel Economy: This type of engine has a complex design and larger size, which is why its fuel economy is lower.

Expensive: Due to its complex design and added components, a four-cylinder engine is more expensive than a 3-cylinder engine.

While understanding your car's internal combustion engine is crucial, it's equally important to ensure you have third-party car insurance. This is not just a legal requirement but also a responsible step towards protecting yourself and others on the road.

However, if you want sufficient engine protection, we recommend opting for a comprehensive car insurance plan with an engine protection add-on.

At Tata AIG, we offer different types of four-wheeler insurance plans tailored to specific needs. From third-party to own damage to comprehensive car insurance policies, we have curated plans for everyone. Further, we offer 19 unique add-ons to enhance vehicle coverage.

When choosing between a 3-cylinder and a 4-cylinder engine, various parameters, such as design, performance, operations, etc., need to be considered. Both cylinders have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Generally, 3-cylinder engines are preferred for smaller cars that don't require a lot of power, while 4-cylinder engines are preferred for larger vehicles that prioritise performance.

Do 4-cylinder engines last long?

The 4-cylinder engines can last up to decades if they get proper maintenance.

Are 4 cylinders slower?

The 4-cylinder engine generates more power and torque than the 3-cylinder engine.

Which one is better between 3-cyl vs 4-cyl engines?

The choice of the engine may vary from person to person based on various factors such as fuel consumption, responsiveness, emission, etc.

3-cylinder engines are preferred for better fuel economy and lower prices, while 4-cylinder engines are better for performance and smoother operation.