Simviation Forums

What is a better engine - a straight 8 or a V12?

Straight 8 is geometrically long, and is said to be vulnerable to torsional vibrations of crankshafts. But what makes the shaft more vulnerable - geometrical length, or a large number of crank throws?

I've heard that V-12s are perfectly balanced by design at high speeds, thus why so many exotics feature them, and that in-line motors  generally have more torque than their v counterparts, thus the reason so many industrial vehicles use them, so I guess 'better' needs to be defined by what you need to do with the power you are making.

It depends in what cat you use them. Example : If you buy an American Muscle car, you have to go for a V8 because the V-shape allows faster acceration. But if you want an exotic car I'd opt for a v12.

E-

Does the usage matter..........the only thing of importance is that the sound of a V8 makes me tingle in places it really should not

Matt

Haha, that's true, but I also like the V12's sound, like the one of a Mercedes SL55
But, then again the V8 is at the top of my list

E-

In our Motorcycle World, we have the choice of many:

Vertical Single.
Vertical across the Frame Twin.
In-Line Twin.
Horizontally opposed Twin.
Across the Frame Vee-Twin.
In line Vee-Twin.
Vertical Four.
Across the Frame Four.
Horizontal Four.
In line Vee-Four.
Across the Frame Six.
Wankel Rotary.

....plus a few more which don't immediately spring to mind... and a few exotic ones!...(Radial!).... ....!

Each type has its different characteristics.

I've had a various selection of many of them from the past!... and still ride a few, every day!... ...!

My favourite cylinder arrangement, presently, is the in-line Vee-Twin....(Ducati, etc)....(excites parts not generally exposed to the Sunlight!).... ...!

Paul The Biker Extraordinaire!...... 8-)...!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_engine

In our Motorcycle World, we have the choice of many:

As many as 49:
http://www.bigbikeriders.com/48cyl.htm

In our Motorcycle World, we have the choice of many:

As many as 49:
http://www.bigbikeriders.com/48cyl.htm

That is quite a bit on engineering
He really needs to tune the exhaust though, the sound it produces is awful.

Matt