Straight 6 vs V6

[jonathan26]

Can anyone tell me the benefits of the V6 engine over the straight 6. I am looking to purchase a SL320 & am wondering if the V6 is worth paying the extra for?

 

[teky]

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=1177041&posts=18&hl=v6

 

[Arnie]

The straight-6 (M104) was actually a more advanced engine:

>> 4, valves per cyl.
>> Variable valve timing
>> variable intake manifold.

The V6 has 3-valves, with the excuse of reduced emmissions, but note that MB have now gone back to 4-valves on their latest generation.

The V6 was also a compromise design, being a 90 degree V, rather than the optimal 60 deg. This means that it requires a special offset crank (GM forging technology) and balancer shafts. It was done like this for parts commonality with the V8 and also for a lower profile (lower bonnet).

There are only two perfectly balanced (in all planes/orders) engine configurations: The straight-6 and the V12 (=two straight-6).

Having said that, I have a V6 (not by choice) and it's one nice point is that it does have a lovely exhaust note, if nothing else.

I would not let the engine be the deciding factor. They are both fine engines. However, you might also bear in mind that pre-V6 cars will have the more durable solvent-based paintwork, rather than the new, flaky water-based one.

The straight-6 will also fill the vast under-bonnet space better than the V6, which looks a little short, under there.

 

[benzover]

yes the v6 112 engine was advanced in its engineering but its a pile of shite at least with the straight six u only had 2 worry about the odd oil leak fantastic engine.