Quote:
Originally Posted by DGthe3
I've been looking around trying to answer this question and I keep comming up blank. Lets say there are 2 engines. Each makes 500 hp, each is a V8, each is naturally aspirated, each will weigh nearly the same. One screams up to 9000 rpm, the other makes that 500 hp at 6000 rpm. So the high rever has a peak torque in the area of 350 ftlbs, the stump puller has about 475 ft lbs. What advantages does the high reving engine have over the other one if they both make the same power? I can list off a bunch of disadvantages but I want to know the other side of the story.
I know that a Camaro forum isn't the best place to post such a question. But its the only car forum I belong to, so I'll work with what I have. Besides, there are enough car guys here that should be able to answer it regardless of personal taste
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The difference is that the high revving motor would be smaller and lighter. For instance the M3’s new V8 gets a naturally aspirated 420hp out of 4.0 liters (~250 cubic inches). They claim it is one of the lightest V8s ever (at 445 lb) even though it has DOHC & 4 valves heads.
The lower inertia of the smaller moving parts means that the engine can change speeds faster which allows for quicker shifts. This would also let you accelerate faster in gear, but I don't know that the effect would be measurable.
The smaller bore and stroke means less friction which should allow for better mileage.
I suspect that a higher red line should also make it easier to find an efficient RPM to cruise at on the highway.
The big downside that no one has mentioned is the price.