So Three-Cylinder Engines are Dogs, are They?
06-23-24, 09:35 PM
#32
Lexus Test Driver
Three cylinder turbo.
Do you think adding the turbo is approximately equal to adding another cylinder or maybe more?
Do you think adding the turbo is approximately equal to adding another cylinder or maybe more?
06-24-24, 06:13 AM
#34
Lexus Champion
Wrong. The non-turbo Mickey-Mouse three-bangers of the 1980s couldn't get out of their own way, but the turbo-threes of today can outrun some larger non-turbo engines.
A prime example is the Corolla GR, with 300 HP, 295 ft-lbs. of torque, and a three-pedal 6-speed manual.
A prime example is the Corolla GR, with 300 HP, 295 ft-lbs. of torque, and a three-pedal 6-speed manual.
06-24-24, 06:37 AM
#35
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Of course, at this rate, with the electrification of the industry, it begs the question of how much longer we are going to have new gasoline engines of ANY size.
06-24-24, 06:43 AM
#36
Lexus Champion
Disagree. I don't quite see it as apples and oranges. Some the same criticisms of yesterday's threes are also being leveled against those of today.
Of course, at this rate, with the electrification of the industry, it begs the question of how much longer we are going to have new gasoline engines of ANY size.
Of course, at this rate, with the electrification of the industry, it begs the question of how much longer we are going to have new gasoline engines of ANY size.
06-24-24, 08:06 AM
#37
Lexus Champion
Disagree. I don't quite see it as apples and oranges. Some the same criticisms of yesterday's threes are also being leveled against those of today.
Of course, at this rate, with the electrification of the industry, it begs the question of how much longer we are going to have new gasoline engines of ANY size.
Of course, at this rate, with the electrification of the industry, it begs the question of how much longer we are going to have new gasoline engines of ANY size.
But then you bring in arguments about underpowered 80s era 3-cylinder engines not being able to get out of their own way; and then you say that the comparison is relevant.
So what exactly is your position on modern 3-cylinder engines? I'm having a hard time following.
06-24-24, 11:38 AM
#38
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
So which side of the coin are you arguing? You started this thread implying that modern 3-cylinder engines can be competitive.
But then you bring in arguments about underpowered 80s era 3-cylinder engines not being able to get out of their own way; and then you say that the comparison is relevant.
So what exactly is your position on modern 3-cylinder engines? I'm having a hard time following.
But then you bring in arguments about underpowered 80s era 3-cylinder engines not being able to get out of their own way; and then you say that the comparison is relevant.
So what exactly is your position on modern 3-cylinder engines? I'm having a hard time following.
OK.....I'll try and clear it up, what I'm saying is that it's apples and oranges to compare today's turbo threes with the 50 HP Mickey-Mouse threes of 40years ago. First, those threes of 40 years ago did not have turbos like today....so that alone is apples and oranges. Second, we have some true high-performance vehicles today with turbo threes...like the aforementioned Corolla GR. Third, even relatively tame turbo threes today make as much or more power than some normally-aspirated larger engines with more cylinders.
The one main question (?) still with turbo threes today, and only time will tell on that, is reliability. In general, most of them have been on the market only a few years, and probably not many have 100K or more miles on them. But, the general laws of physics say that, if you drive one of these engines aggressively (which I don't), or tow too much with them (which I don't), they are going to be highly stressed, particularly in heavier vehicles. And stress usually doesn't bode well for reliability.
06-30-24, 10:03 PM
#40
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Actually, the radio-waves themselves traveled at exactly the same speeds back then (about the speed of light) as they do now, so, once you are actually talking over the set, there's no difference. The difference, of course, is that the sets themselves, back then, having primitive vacuum-tubes, had to warm up a bit after you turned them on.....you did not get instant on/off with transistors and advanced electronics like you do today. And, on some frequency-bands, the communications could be disrupted by lightning, which causes static.
07-01-24, 06:53 PM
#43
Lead Lap
True, but law enforcement has been more careful about engaging in pursuits as well as how much to engage and for how long. The concern is obviously public safety as a fleeing driver is likely to cause damage and injuries to others as pursuits intensify.
07-01-24, 07:04 PM
#44
Lexus Fanatic
Last edited by Toys4RJill; 07-01-24 at 07:11 PM.