Quote:
Originally Posted by hector
how does bmw, or any other manufacturer, decide what displacement engine to choose when by, for example, adjusting boost in a turbo app., they can easily arrive at the same total output for 2 engines of different displacements? for example, take the 320i in u.s. spec putting out 180hp/200ft-lbs, output that the 1.5l 3cyl could achieve if it's specific output were the same as the 2.0 4cyl in the 228? there are i'm sure pros and cons to each method, some of which may be marketing related as opposed to technical. specifically, with weight reduction a priority, wouldn't the smaller mill save substantial weight?
|
I believe that BMW arrived at the solution of a common cylinder size and altering overall displacement based on the number of cylinders and power output on the state of tune of the engine. This has allowed them to maximize their production efficiencies globally.
I have an i8 and the 228bhp from an FI-3 cylinders is very impressive. I lament the fact that they didn't go with the 4 cyl in the same state of tune which would have made the i8 a real supercar.
Cheers-mk