-J-P-L-

I was just countering his phrase "4-cylinder POS" that can be found in every single one of his posts. It's really annoying. And yes, he is saying that.

It's not even a judgment on the engine itself but rather he is saying that any 4-cylinder car is a POS.

Sad.

LexFather

I say stick to the topic. No more annoying that carrying the Acura flag around here or me trying to send them to hell.

mmarshall

Though I don't care for the Yaris's styling and center-mount speedometer, I understand where you're coming from. It's an extremely well-built small car; solid as a rock, and gives good mileage to boot. I feel the same way about the small, 4-cylinder Subaru Impreza and Outback Sport (I have a 4-cylinder regular Outback now).


Depends on what he's driving, but you're right that cars like the 4-cylinder Evo and STi are not often outrun, and the VW/Audi 2.0T is also a honey of a little engine for its size, especially with the superb DSG transmission.

Och

iTrader: (3)

Well, its subjective, but I can't find myself to like any 4 cylinder car on the market today. I like luxury and refinement, and none of them offer that.

mmarshall

The normally-aspirated 4-cylinder Outback may not have a lot of power (turbo versions are avilable, if desired) but it is smooth, quiet, and refined......even with some wear on the tires, when many cars start getting noisy. Upmarket Outbacks are also quite luxurious inside.....especially for their price.

Josh (OCDetailer) took a ride with me in my Outback several weeks ago, when he was in the D.C. area, and was impressed with it (though his tastes are generally a little sportier).

Och

iTrader: (3)

I've rented the Subaru a few times when I went on vacation. Very nice ride, a lot of convenience and utility of an SUV. In fact, I will probably always rent it in the future, because of how convenient it is.

But when I mention the lack of refinement of a 4 cylinder, I dont mean the lack of a refinement of a car itself. Its just that 4 cylinders are not balanced by their nature, and simply do not belong in a luxury car. Mike (1SICK) brought a good point with the TSX. Compare the TSX 2.4 i4 to IS250 2.5 v6. They have about the same power output and return the same gas mileage, but from the start, to the ilde, to the cruising, to high revs the v6 in the Lexus just feels and sounds more refined. Seriously, whenever I hear the starting sounds of a 4 cylinder, or the vibration at ilde, or the trashy revs, it just makes me cringe.

Whats funny is that the same people who critisize me for my low opinion on 4 cylinders, will argue to death in the next thread how the BMW 328 is superior to G37 because the engine in the G37 is not as refined.

LexFather

lmfao.....that is true.

Mike, you make great points again as usual

IS-SV

For a 4 banger yes, but compared to a Lexus, Mercedes, BMW six, the six is more refined, smooth and better engine sound quality by far. 4-bangers can achieve almost any target horsepower goals with high boost, but don't expect longevity, refinement, smoothness, or excellent gas mileage in the high-strung setup.

btw, many of the newer and better tires today have designs that minimize noise as the tire wears, which used to be a common complaint. But this tire wear/noise problem still is largely unresolved on AT tires for trucks/SUVs tires.

Och

iTrader: (3)

Look, maybe I was a litte over the line generalizing four bangers as POS. There are defenately cool four bangers our there, just nothing for my liking at this stage of my life. But just a few years back I would've loved myself an Evo or STI, and hopefully one day I'll have spare money to waste on S2000.

But my issue is what govt and this whole CAFE standards are gonna shove 4 cylinders into cars where 4 cylinders dont belong... and don't necessary provide any benefit. In a heavy car a small four cylinder has to work hard all the time, and its fuel economy may very well be worse than that of a V8. Seriously, try sticking a 4 cylinder into Escalade and see what happens.

IS-SV

Seriously, let's have a lame exec at bankrupt GM explain why they still make a Escalade today and if they have an intelligent plan to replace it.

-J-P-L-

Nobody's saying a 4-cylinder is as "refined", smooth, and has the power curve of a V-6 or V-8.

I don't know why the argument is being made for the larger engines for these qualities. Of course they're "better". There's always that trade-off though.

I just feel the need to defend a 4-cylinder for it's intended purpose. Economical, efficient, cheaper to maintain, and suitable for a small to mid-size vehicle. A luxury car buyer in the US seemingly could care less about these attributes.

Clearly if you want luxury and performance, it's going to cost you. That's your business.

-J-P-L-

Really?

(avatar pic)

Och

iTrader: (3)

Well, as much as I dislike the Escalade, its probably one of the few GM cars that actually turns a profit. I might be wrong though.

-J-P-L-

No problem. If it doesn't fit you, that's cool. It was just the broad stroke being made that 4-cylinder cars are nothing but crap that got me.

Och

iTrader: (3)

Glad we came to an understanding!