Inline Engine (Straight Engine)

Three- and four-cylinder inline engines power most small and mid-size cars. An inline six is naturally well balanced and known for smooth running. A single cylinder head keeps the design simpler and cheaper to build and service than a V engine.

Each piston drives the crankshaft through its own connecting rod, firing in a set order along the row.

Inline three- and four-cylinder engines have vibrations that are often reduced with balance shafts or special engine mounts. Long inline sixes need a long engine bay, which is why many cars switched to V6 engines.