[Unknown User]

Other than the obvious configuration difference, what is it about an inline 6 that makes it different from a V-6? They're seem to work very well in the Z, why aren't they used in more cars?

 

[Unknown User]

there's also a production cost savings. a v-6 can share components with a v-8 from the same manufacturer. they can use the same pistons, rods, valves, other valvtrain components, bearings, distributor parts, on and on and on. the only difference is two cylinders. a lot of manufacturers can build a v-6 on the same assembly line as a v-8, or at least with a very similar setup. being able to share components cuts production costs and lowers retail prices. this is why mercedes-benz switched over to v-6's last year.