Considered as the heart of a vehicle, the engine is the most vital component of a modern car. The engine’s cylinder configuration is what shapes the performance, efficiency, and overall driving experience of a vehicle. The cylinder configuration refers to the number of combustion chambers (or cylinders) it has and this is where the air-fuel mixture is ignited to produce power. In general, more cylinders translate to more power, but also bring about more complexity, size, and fuel consumption.

Among the most common cylinder configurations found in everyday cars today, are 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder engines. While their basic functioning remains the same, they each have their unique designs, advantages, and trade-offs that make them suitable for different engineering needs and ultimately, define the driving characteristics of the car.

To help you understand the differences between 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder engine types, CARS24 dives deep into their mechanics, pros and cons, and their suitability according to your driving needs. Have experience with different engine configurations in cars?

Consider sharing them with the CARS24 auto community, CLUTCH, where there are more interesting automotive discussions taking place.

3-cylinder engine or 4-cylinder engine: Which one is better?

To compare 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder engines effectively, we’ll examine various parameters that highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each engine configuration –

Both engine configurations have their own merits and drawbacks. A 3-cylinder engine can be beneficial for those prioritising fuel-efficiency and driving shorter distances within the city. A 4-cylinder engine equipped car in comparison, will be more expensive to purchase but will offer more power, lower NVH levels and an enthusiastic driving experience.

It is worth noting that in general, a 3-cylinder engine is usually of lower cubic capacity than a 4-cylinder engine however, manufacturers can configure them in similar cubic capacities. This would mean that while overall power outputs may be similar, the 3-cylinder engine will continue offering the above benefits of better fuel efficiency and lower production cost thus possibly lower price of the car. Due to the odd cylinder configuration, a 3-cylinder engine will not be as refined as a similarly-sized 4-cylinder engine, a drawback that doesn’t outweigh the benefits. 

What is a 3-cylinder engine?

A 3-cylinder engine is designed with three cylinders that fire in a sequence to produce power. It is commonly used in small cars, hybrids, and some compact SUVs. The design is simple and compact, making it ideal for vehicles where space is at a premium.

Design and mechanics of 3-cylinder engines

In a 3-cylinder engine, each cylinder operates on the traditional four-stroke cycle (intake, compression, power, and exhaust), but with fewer cylinders firing, there is less overlap between the power strokes resulting in an unbalanced firing order. This results in a less smooth engine operation compared to four-cylinder engines, contributing to more vibrations. However, modern engineering has significantly improved the refinement of 3-cylinder engines, incorporating technologies such as balancer shafts and engine mounts to reduce vibrations.

Pros and cons of 3-cylinder engines

Advantages

• Lighter weight due to fewer components and a smaller size, contributing to better handling and manoeuvrability, especially in small cars.
• Improved fuel efficiency with the reduced weight and fewer cylinders.
• Fewer emissions due to lower fuel consumption.
• Lower cost of production and purchase.
• Quirky sound due to the irregular firing order, may appeal to some as adding character to the car.

Disadvantages

• Lower power output with one less cylinder than a 4-cylinder engine, can limit high speed performance.
• Increased vibrations can lead to a less refined driving experience.
• 3-cylinder engines tend to be noisy at higher RPMs.

• 3-cylinder engines may experience more wear and tear due to their higher workload per cylinder, potentially affecting long-term durability.

   

What is a 4-cylinder engine?

A 4-cylinder engine is one of the most common engine configurations found in modern cars. It consists of four cylinders arranged either in an inline or two cylinders opposing the other two in a flat configuration. 4-cylinder engines are widely regarded for their balance of power, efficiency, and smoothness, making them a versatile choice for a variety of vehicle types.

Design and mechanics of 4-cylinder engines

4-cylinder engines are designed with a balanced firing sequence, allowing for a smoother operation. Each cylinder contributes to a power stroke more frequently, which means the engine delivers consistent power with less vibrations. Most 4-cylinder engines use an inline configuration, where the cylinders are arranged in a straight line, simplifying the design and making them easier to fit into a wide range of vehicles.

Pros and cons of 4-cylinder engines

Advantages

• 4-cylinder engines produce more power and torque than 3-cylinder engines.
• The additional power and torque allow for better performance.
• 4-cylinder engines are inherently smoother due to their balanced firing order.
• Suitable for higher speeds required on highways, added smoothness improves driving experience too.
• Due to the broader appeal and greater demand for vehicles with more power and versatility, cars equipped with 4-cylinder engines tend to hold their value better.

Disadvantages

• An extra cylinder means more fuel is consumed overall.
• Increased fuel consumption also results in higher emissions.
• Additional components and complexity of 4-cylinder engines make them more expensive to produce.
• With an extra cylinder, there are more moving parts that can potentially wear out or fail over time, leading to higher maintenance costs.
• While 4-cylinder engines perform well at higher speeds with more horsepower, they can be less efficient in city driving, where more torque is beneficial.

Real-world examples and suitability for different drivers

Both 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder engines are used in a wide range of vehicles, from small hatchbacks to SUVs as well as hybrids. Both configurations also exist within the same car models as well as in petrol and diesel fuel types. Here’s a list of popular models using each engine configuration –

Popular 3-cylinder models

1. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10
2. Maruti Suzuki Swift
3. Hyundai i20 N Line
4. Nissan Magnite
5. Mahindra XUV 3XO
6. Tata Nexon
7. Tata Punch
8. Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
9. Volkswagen Virtus
10. BMW X1

Popular 4-cylinder models

1. Mahindra Scorpio N
2. Tata Curvv
3. Hyundai Creta
4. Hyundai Verna
5. Maruti Suzuki Brezza
6. Toyota Fortuner
7. Skoda Kushaq
8. Mahindra Thar Roxx
9. Honda City
10. Land Rover Defender

Who should opt for a 3-cylinder engine?

A 3-cylinder engine is ideal for city drivers and those who prioritise fuel efficiency over outright performance. Cars equipped with a 3-cylinder engine may cost less and are a great option for budget-conscious buyers who want an economical car mainly for daily commuting.

Who benefits from a 4-cylinder engine?

Drivers who frequently travel on highways, need more power for high-speed overtaking and for covering longer distances faster, would benefit from the power and smoothness of a 4-cylinder engine. Performance-focused drivers and enthusiasts may prefer the smooth and refined 4-cylinder engine.

What about 3-cylinder turbo engines?

To counteract the lower emission and high fuel efficiency requirements of governing bodies and today’s car buyers, manufacturers are increasingly opting for the smaller displacement 3-cylinder engine. However, the loss in power is compensated by employing the benefits of forced induction. Turbochargers not only help make more power for a smaller engine, they also aid in cleaner emissions by utilising the exhaust gases for powering the turbo. Thus negating the power advantage of 4-cylinder engines while still being more fuel efficient.

Conclusion

The choice between a 3-cylinder and a 4-cylinder engine can impact your driving and ownership experience of a car. The use of either engine can impact several critical factors, such as power output, fuel efficiency, cost, and comfort. While some drivers prioritise maximum power and acceleration, others may prefer a more economical and environmentally friendly option. Thus choosing between a 3-cylinder and a 4-cylinder engine largely depends on your specific driving needs, priorities, and preferences.

A 3-cylinder engine is ideal for those who value fuel efficiency, lower costs, and eco-friendliness, making it particularly well-suited for city drivers and budget-conscious buyers. On the other hand, a 4-cylinder engine is better for drivers who need more power, smoother performance, and better acceleration, especially on highways or for heavier vehicles. A turbocharged 3-cylinder engine can be a good compromise between the two albeit coming at a premium compared to a naturally-aspirated 3-cylinder engine.