Straight engine: Each engine layout has its own strengths

Each engine layout has its own strengths and automakers select them based on the performance, handling and space requirements of their vehicles. Whether you’re looking for practicality or performance there’s an engine layout to match every driving preference. Inline Engines Inline (or “ straight ”) engines have all their cylinders lined up in a row, which means they tend to be longer than the V configuration. For this reason, inline engines are usually found in 3, 4, 5, and 6-cylinder variations, as 8 cylinders in a row would be too long to fit in most engine bays. Straight -six engine Engine block of a BMW M20 straight -six engine (top view with cylinder head removed) A straight -six engine (also referred to as an inline -six engine ; abbreviated I6 or L6) is a piston engine with six cylinders arranged in a straight line along the crankshaft.