A V-4 engine is tremendously compact, and in pushrod configuration, pretty efficient. Ford (Germany) sed them in their “Taunus” model for years, and the SAAB 96 had the same engine. So why aren’t they used today? I know most small 4 cylidner engines use OHC configurations, but since most people buy automatics anyway (shift at 4000 RPM), what would be wrong with a small pushrod V-4 engine?
They are used in a lot of motorcycles. For automotive use, a lot of manufacturers prefer flat four “boxer” type engines if they aren’t going to go inline, which offer smoothness and balance advantages over other 4 cylinder configurations.
partially balance, partially complexity (an I4 could be cheaper due to only one cylinder head vs. two,) partially the fact that an I4 doesn’t present a packaging challenge in most cases and where it does, an I3 can be used.
If pushrod configurations were favored it might still be practical. For any overhead cam layout the inline configuration will offer a simpler (less costly) valve train arrangement than a V configuration. As small 4 cylinder power plants generally end up in compacts and economy models, cost becomes the decisive design element.
Honda has long used V4’s in their VF and VFR motorcycle lines. These have usually been higher priced models though that could justify the cost of the more complex valvetrain. Interesting note is that on the latest VFR, Honda has incorporated some pushrod technology (rocker arms) to their overhead cam layout to allow a single overhead cam actuating 4 valves.
I believe that Subaru uses boxer four engines extensively.
And a flat-6, as well.
A V4 has a more cuboid shape than a I4. Any car has a minimum usable width, and for the most part this means that an I4 can fit sideways. Since an I4 is narrower than an I4, this means the car can be shorter (or have more interior space, etc.).
“since an I4 is narrower than an I4”…??
One of those "I"s was clearly meant to be a “V” (I’m guessing the second one).
Yeah, you got it. The technical term for the sideways mounting is “transverse”. This makes for a very short engine compartment. You don’t get the same benefit out of a V4, since its dimensions are more equalized.
I’ll bet that if rotary engines had ever really caught on, you’d see V4 engines used as an economy option for the cheapskates that don’t want to spring for the wankel, since they’re both small roughly cube-shaped engines.
Also, I frequently see people on craigslist mentioning the “V4” engines their later model Hondas and Toyotas have, so they must be more common than we think!
V4’s are ubiquitous as outboard marine engines.
Looks like you had an I4 his typo.
they’re also generally 2-stroke, so their balance characteristics are different. Plus, being outboards, they can shake and vibrate all they want 