4 Cylinder and 6 Cylinder Differences

Dear Everybody,

A lot of people ask me the differences between the 2.7 I4, and the 3.4 V6. Well, here is my analysis of the two engines. They are both great engines by the way that are extremely reliable and dependable. To all the serious mechanically talented members, I know there are a lot more differences than what I am going to talk about in this post. In this post, I am just trying to give members who are curious a general idea of the differences between these two motors.

The Toyota 2.7 inline 4 cylinder is a much simpler motor than its 3.4 V6 sibling. It is a single head, which makes everything inside the engine compartment extremely accessible with the exception of the fuel filter. These Toyota four bangers use a timing chain rather than a timing belt. Timing chains are replaced much less frequently than timing belts. As a result of their simplicity, size and configuration, this motor is both easier and cheaper to maintain and repair than its larger Toyota 3.4 V6 sibling. They will get also get better gas mileage. Although, I am told this is not a significant difference.

The Toyota 5VZ-FE 3.4 liter V6 engine is a very sophisticated motor with two heads and double overhead cams per head. It uses a timing belt instead of a chain, which has to be replaced every 90,000 miles. As a result of its size and configuration, it occupies a lot of space in the engine compartment, which makes getting at things much less accessible. It is going to be both the more expensive and complicated motor to both maintain and repair, but it is going to have significantly more horsepower and torque than its smaller sibling.

Take it easy,
Paul

 

Paul,

Thanks for your post. While I would say your analysis of the 4cyl vs 6cyl is accurate, I believe most of the information - size, complexity, efficiency - is standard to most vehicles that came with both I4 and V6 motors.

Both the 2.4 and 2.7 4cyl motors are very reliable and easy to work on like most 4 bangers of the era. The 5vz however is very simple as well in comparison to the other V6s of the time period. I have not had any trouble reaching things to do both general and more intermediate work on mine. I'm talking going beyond oil changes. Things like intake cleaning, valve cover gaskets, etc.

You also don't need half the SSTs Toyota calls for to do repairs. A standard metric tool set and a few select tools like torque wrenches will enable any mechanically inclined person to do most repairs.