<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (September 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (September 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> A V engine, or Vee engine is a common configuration for an internal combustion engine . The cylinders and pistons are aligned, in two separate planes or' banks', so that they appear to be in a "V" when viewed along the axis of the crankshaft . The Vee configuration generally reduces the overall engine length, height and weight compared with an equivalent inline configuration . </P> <P> The first V - type engine, a 2 - cylinder vee twin, was built in 1889 by Daimler, to a design by Wilhelm Maybach . By 1903 V8 engines were being produced for motor boat racing by the Société Antoinette to designs by Léon Levavasseur, building on experience gained with in - line four - cylinder engines . In 1904, the Putney Motor Works completed a new V12, 150bhp 18.4 litre engine--the first V12 engine produced for any purpose . This one was manufactured for two Russian brothers making a dirigible . They ran out of money and Commander May bought it on a sale or return basis for Motor boat racing, having some moderate success in 1908 . The engine was exposed and the hot coil ignition created misfiring on becoming wet with the spray . Robert Bosch supplied the very first magnetos and the problem was solved . </P>

What is the difference between a v8 and a v12 engine