3-Cylinder vs 4-Cylinder Petrol Engine: Which Is Better For Your Usage?

Maruti Suzuki India made a lot of noise in 2024 when they launched the 4th generation of the Swift, where they also introduced their home-grown new Z-Series petrol engine, with a 1197 cc engine capacity and 3-cylinder making 81.58 ps and 111.7 Nm of torque. Well, this engine created a lot of ruckus among Swift lovers, as the new one couldn't match the K-Series liveliness and refinement.

However, the fuel efficiency quotient rose exponentially, and the current owners are enjoying 25 plus km/l on highways. But how did the reduction of just one cylinder create such a huge difference? That is what I will explore here and tell the positives and negatives of both engines. So, follow till the end, and in the meantime, make sure to join the 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel to never miss out on automotive updates.

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3 Cylinder vs 4 Cylinder

The most basic difference between the two is just one cylinder, but in the real world, it creates a world of difference. 3-cylinder engines are known for lower fuel consumption, less power production, and more vibration. This happens because their weight distribution is naturally imbalanced, and the firing between each piston doesn't occur at perfect intervals. So, naturally, they tend to produce more noise.

On the other hand, 4-cylinder engines are the most commonly used powertrains globally and are known to be extremely refined. Despite having four cylinders, they achieve great fuel efficiency. The piston firing happens at perfect intervals, and the engine weight is more balanced. However, when compared to 3-cylinder engines in terms of fuel efficiency, they are slightly on the lower side because they produce more power.

Now, more power means they can reach higher speeds more comfortably and pull a heavy vehicle with less effort. Thats why they are a staple in the auto industry.

Fuel Efficiency Factor

Let's take an example of Maruti Suzuki Swift with the all new Z-Series engine that achieves a staggering 24.80 km/l with 5-MT and 25.75 km/l with AMT. Now, the Maruti Baleno with K-Series 4-cyclinder engine achieves 22.35 km/l with 5-MT and 22.94 km/l with AMT. Now, this is an impressive figure, despite Baleno having bigger engine. On paper, the difference doesn't seems so big, but when driven both cars feels poles apart.

Baleno, with a 4-cylinder engine, is smooth as sail and starts without making any hush. Plus, it moves ahead effortlessly, and if you press the throttle hard, it will sprint ahead like a squirrel. Because the engine is tuned in such a way that the torque is available at lower RPMs, and this engine has enough power to reach high speed without sweating. Now, these factors make it a great choice not only for city commutes but for highways, where the vehicles are cruising at 90 plus km/l. Also, this powertrain will complement you on steep inclines and rough terrains. But as the intensity of speed increases, the fuel efficiency will also deplete.

The 3-cylinder engine will be low at every level - be it performance, refinement, or stop-start - but because there is one less cylinder, the energy production will be low, as well as the fuel burning. Now, clearly, we know why automakers give certain cars such types of engines - because they also know what people want.

What Does Difference Does A Turbocharger Makes?

As we all know, small 1.0L turbocharged engines have taken over and are now even available as standard engines in several cars. Well, the turbocharger usage has extensively risen because it has the capacity to take the power figures of a small engine to the next level. That's why we see a 1.0L TSI engine by Volkswagen making 115 PS and 178 Nm of torque. Even such a small engine has the power to leave behind a bigger 1.2L engine with 4 cylinders. So, if performance is your priority, pick these - but do mind that their fuel efficiency is super low.

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