Manufacturers use different layouts of engines to spur cars. While 3-cylinder engines are used extensively in petrol cars, many are shifting to 4-cylinder engines with the belief that a 4-cylinder engine provides better performance than a 3-cylinder engine. It is not true since the former has fewer cylinders.

In this article, we have made an in-depth comparison of 3-cylinder engines vs 4-cylinder engines considering various parameters.

A straight-3 engine is a three-cylinder piston engine with three cylinders in a straight line along with a common crankshaft. Though it is less common than a 4-cylinder engine, still, 3-cylinders are common in multiple cars, motorcycles, and agricultural machinery. Also, the crankshaft angle forms a position of 120 degrees using the three-straight engines. As a result, their firing intervals contain even spacing.

• Optimised Fuel Efficiency: Since a 3-cylinder engine involves fewer engines compared to a 4-engine cylinder, they consume less fuel to run the vehicle. As a result, the engine becomes more fuel efficient and works perfectly for smaller cars.

• Less Friction: As fewer engines are used in this type, the friction created through the metal-to-metal movement of engines reduces. Thus, there is less requirement for fuel consumption and better function.

• Low Cost: One of the most vital parts used in building a car is its engine, so if a manufacturer has to use one less engine, it reduces the manufacturing cost to many folds. Hence, the vehicles supporting the same become cheaper than the 4-cylinder engine model.

• Bigger Interiors: The area required to install the engine in a car reduces when it comes to a 3-cylinder vs a 4-cylinder engine. Hence, the manufacturers get more room to design the car's interiors and structure it accordingly.

• Not Refined: An engine is said to be better refined if it works well in four sectors, including compression, intake, power and exhaust. However, since 3-cylinder engines have one less engine, it makes power after 120-degree rotation. In contrast, a 4-cylinder makes it after every 90 degrees. This gap makes 3-cylinder engine vehicles a tad bit noisier than its counterpart.

• Less Responsive: Due to less engine involvement, the response time is a bit slow. However, the difference is negligible and can be ignored.

A 4-cylinder piston engine is a straight-four engine. Here cylinders are arranged in a line along with a common crankshaft which is the same as a 3-cylinder engine. However, the difference here is that it contains 4 cylinders. This layout is very common in motorcycles and machinery. Also, this four-stroke engine design always has a cylinder on its power stroke, unlike 3-cylinder with no power stroke. Now, let's see its pros and cons to learn more about the 3-cylinder vs 4-cylinder comparison.

• More Responsive: The engine of 4-cylinder vehicles is more responsive than a 3-cylinder engine because of the non-presence of lag in the engine's firing order.

• Refined Engine: The 4-cylinder engines are highly refined and can work for a long time without interruption. This is mainly because the number of strokes (i.e., compression, power, exhaust, intake) on which the engine works is equal to the number of cylinders in a 4-cylinder engine.

• Equitable Distribution of Power: 4-cylinder engine distributes power more evenly because there is no lag in the firing order. Thus, they perform well both at lower and higher RPM.

• Higher Consumption of Fuel: The fuel consumption for 4-cylinder engines is slightly higher than for 3-cylinder engines as more weight is involved in the former. Also, it is because the cylinders create increased friction.

• Costlier: 4-cylinder engine vehicles are a little costlier than 3-cylinder engines as the manufacturers have to put an extra component in the making.

In conclusion to this debate regarding 3-cylinder vs 4-cylinder engine, there is no definite answer to it as they are developed and designed in different ways to cater to different needs. So, if you are looking for an engine with a powerful fan and a better response 4-cylinder engine will suit your needs. In contrast, if you are a first-time buyer whose requirement for less price and better mileage takes the front seat, then choose a 3-cylinder engine.

This is all the information available on 3-cylinder engines vs 4-cylinder engines that will help you understand which is a better pick for you. So, refer to the article to make an informed decision.