<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> The examples and perspective in this article may not represent a worldwide view of the subject . You may improve this article, discuss the issue on the talk page, or create a new article, as appropriate . (October 2015) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> The examples and perspective in this article may not represent a worldwide view of the subject . You may improve this article, discuss the issue on the talk page, or create a new article, as appropriate . (October 2015) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankshaft in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a 60 or 90 degree angle to each other . The V6 is one of the most compact engine configurations, usually ranging from 2.0 L to 4.3 L displacement (however, much larger examples have been produced for use in trucks), shorter than the inline 4 and more compact than the V8 engine . Because of its short length, the V6 fits well in the widely used transverse engine front - wheel drive layout . </P> <P> The V6 is commercially successful in mid-size cars in the modern age of high fuel prices and price sensitive consumers because it is less expensive to build and has better fuel consumption than the V8, while being smoother in large sizes than the inline 4, which develops increasingly serious vibration problems in larger engines . The wider 90 ° V6 will fit in an engine compartment designed for a V8, providing a low - cost alternative to the V8 in an expensive car, while the narrower 60 ° V6 will fit in most engine compartments designed for an I4, proving a more powerful and smoother alternative engine to the four . While not perfectly smooth, the V6 is smoother than the I4 and adequately smooth for the average consumer . Buyers of luxury and / or performance cars who are not price sensitive or fuel economy minded might prefer an inline 6, which has comparable fuel economy and power but better smoothness, a flat 6 which combines better smoothness and often higher power with adequate fuel economy, or a V8 which has higher power, but worse fuel economy . </P>

What is the meaning of v6 in cars