Engine Types: Inline Engines

In the inline configuration, the engine has all its cylinders parallel to each other. Most common cylinder layout in this engine option is a four cylinder. However, it has been produced in five and six cylinder options. Although, after the birth of the V-engine, the six cylinder and higher configurations are sparingly used.

In the inline layout, the firing order is not in a straight format. This would deliver too much power to the driveshaft and cause damage. To limit the uncontrollable power, the engine is made to fire in a 1-3-4-2 order (the first cylinder reaching the power stroke first, then the third, and so on).

The engine can be placed in the front or the rear of the car parallel or perpendicular to the drive shaft depending on the size of the engine. The reason behind mass production of inline is the low cost of production and easy to maintain advantages.

However, the downside of this layout is that it cannot take out the full potential of the engine where a V-engine layout would perform better. However, a four cylinder V-engine is not considered a practical design. (Read:V-engines)