Inline vs V Engines: What’s Under the Hood of Your Favourite Cars?

Pop the hood of any car, and you’ll find its beating heart—the engine. But not all engines are built the same. One of the biggest differences comes down to how the cylinders are arranged. The two most common types? Inline and V-shaped engines.

Whether you're eyeing a fuel-efficient sedan or a high-performance SUV made for the dunes, understanding this key difference can help make sense of how your car performs on UAE roads.

What is an Inline Engine?

In an inline engine, the cylinders are arranged in a single straight line, usually vertically. It’s a simpler, more compact design often used in everyday cars.

Popular Cars with Inline Engines (UAE models):

• Toyota Corolla – Inline-4
• Honda Civic – Inline-4
• Hyundai Elantra – Inline-4
• BMW 320i (older models) – Inline-4 or inline-6
• Mercedes-Benz C 180 – Inline-4
• Mazda 6 – Inline-4

Why choose an inline engine?

• Smooth and balanced, especially inline-6s
• Easier and cheaper to maintain
• Ideal for fuel efficiency and reliability

Best suited for:

Daily city driving in Dubai, school runs in Sharjah, or weekend trips to Ras Al Khaimah — smooth and reliable.

What is a V Engine?

A V engine arranges its cylinders in two angled rows forming a “V” shape. This allows more cylinders to fit in less space, which means more power and torque.

Popular Cars with V Engines (UAE favourites):

• Nissan Patrol V8 – 5.6L V8
• Toyota Land Cruiser 300 – 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6
• Ford Mustang GT – 5.0L V8
• Mercedes-AMG G 63 – 4.0L V8 Biturbo
• Jeep Grand Cherokee – 3.6L V6 / 5.7L V8
• Chevrolet Tahoe – V8
• Porsche Cayenne S – V6 / V8 options

Why go for a V engine?

• Delivers high horsepower and torque
• Compact yet powerful
• That distinct engine growl—especially in V8s

Best suited for:

Off-roading in the Liwa desert, towing jet skis to Fujairah, or cruising the highways at speed with serious performance.

Feature	Inline Engine	V Engine
Layout	Straight line	V-shaped (angled)
Maintenance	Easier, cheaper	More complex, higher cost
Engine height	Taller	Shorter
Engine width	Narrower	Wider
Smoothness	High (esp. inline-6)	High (esp. V12)
Power output	Moderate	High torque and horsepower
Common use	Sedans, compacts	SUVs, trucks, performance cars

Which Engine is Right for Driving in the UAE?

City commuters and fuel-savers?

Go for inline engines. You’ll find them in most Japanese and Korean sedans that handle well in traffic and don’t drink fuel for fun.

Big SUV drivers, off-roaders, and performance lovers?

A V6 or V8 engine is more your speed. Power, torque, and the ability to conquer sand dunes or tow heavy loads make them a popular choice in the UAE.

Final Thoughts

Inline and V engines each have their own advantages—and both have powered some of the most popular vehicles across the UAE. Whether you’re in a Corolla navigating city streets or a G-Wagon tearing across the desert, what’s under the hood makes a difference.

Next up, we’ll dive into the world of boxer engines and rotary engines—stay tuned to learn more about the machines that keep us moving.