I6 vs V6

Rev28K · 05-05-2006, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muzz

Sort of on topic,
why aren't there more narrow angle sixes like the VW 15 degree six? They seem to be an excellent compromise between straight 6 and v6. And they sound pretty neat too.

The VW group had Audi's 60 degree 2.8 V6 (used in in-line Audi 90/A4) but it was too wide to package in to the Golf so they developed the narrow angle V6 that would fit transversely thus two engines from the same corporation of around the same capacity for two different applications (kind of like the Nissan RB and VG families of sixes).

The narrow angle VW engines have been used for a whole family of engines (3's, 6's and their W12 as well). They were pretty good with 4's as well - The Audi V8 started out as two Golf four cylinders joined together).

Lancia had some narrow angle V's back in the 50's/60's.

p.s. Some of the transverse V6 have platinum tipped (long life) spark plugs fitted on the set of heads closest to the firewall because they are such a PITA to change.