Updated on - 05 Jan 2026
The right engine can change your whole riding experience. In India, people usually debate between V4 and Inline-4 engines, but each engine has its unique speciality. V4 engines, with their “V” cylinder setup, offer more power and better balance, making them favourites on race tracks. Inline-4 engines, set in a straight line, are simpler, fuel-efficient and easier to maintain, ideal for everyday rides.
Understanding these key differences helps you pick the perfect bike that matches your requirements. Read this blog to know the major differences between these two engine types and decide which one is best for your vehicle.
What is a V4 engine?
A V4 engine is created with four cylinders set up in a neat V-shape. It has two sides, or “banks,” with two cylinders on each side. This layout makes the engine shorter and more compact than an inline-four engine. V4 engines are not very common in cars but are used in some motorcycles and a few compact vehicles. The engine offers a smoother, wider spread of power and torque. It revs faster, too, which means it can produce more power across a broader RPM range, making it both quick and versatile on the road.
Advantages of the V4 engine
Here are some of the advantages of the V4 engine:
● Compact design
A V4 engine is small but gives good power. It fits all the parts tightly without wasting space, unlike inline-four engines that have empty gaps. This smart design makes the V4 more space-saving.
● Strong structure
The V4's small size makes it very strong. It can handle the stress from braking, turning and speeding up. Because the engine is so strong, the bike's frame can be lighter. That's why bikes like the Ducati Panigale V4 feel steady and fast on the track.
● Better balance
Since the V4 engine is compact, designers can put its weight right in the centre of the bike. This helps the bike stay balanced, making it easier to control at high speeds.
● More power
The V4 engine makes more power, especially at higher speeds. Its shorter crankshaft helps it produce strong performance across a wider range of speeds.
● Smoother ride
The V4 runs very smoothly with less vibration. This makes your ride feel more comfortable and stable, especially when you're going fast.
What is the Inline-4 engine?
Also known as a 'straight-four', 'i4' and 'L4', the inline-four performance-oriented turbo engine dominates the racing world. Characterised by its four cylinders, it's an internal combustion engine with the cylinders arranged in a straight line or parallel on a single crankshaft.
The i4 functions on a four-stroke cycle, converting fuel into mechanical energy. This cycle ensures smooth engine operation, whether turbocharged or naturally aspirated. Diesel, gasoline and natural gas can power the engine.
The engine's crankshaft layouts are either 180-degree (flat-plane) or 270-degree (cross-plane), producing the most power and torque in the high revving range. It can rev up to 14,000 RPM.
A turbocharged Inline-4 engine uses exhaust heat to power a turbine, forcing more air into the engine's combustion chamber. The additional air enables more fuel to burn, producing greater power output. Hence, the turbocharger allows the i4 engine to deliver higher performance while maintaining fuel efficiency and environmental benefits.
What are the advantages of an Inline-4 engine?
Here are some of the key advantages of an Inline-4 engine:
- Lightweight: The engine is compact and doesn’t occupy much space. It is lighter because it has fewer parts and just one exhaust pipe.
- Fewer moving parts: With only one cylinder head, there are fewer parts moving inside. Thus, less energy is wasted, and there are fewer chances for things to break.
- Balanced performance: The pistons move in pairs that face each other, allowing the engine to run smoothly and reducing shaking while driving.
- Easy maintenance: The spark plugs and valve train are easily accessible, making servicing straightforward.
- Low-cost: Inline-4 engines are less expensive to manufacture and more fuel-efficient, making them ideal for everyday cars and motorcycles.
Fuel efficiency and maintenance differences
Inline-4 engines are simple and thrifty, while V4 engines are powerful but need a bit more care.
- Inline-4 engines are typically more fuel-efficient due to their simple design and fewer moving parts. This means less energy is wasted, which helps save fuel in normal driving. Maintenance is also easier and less expensive for Inline-4 engines, as they have fewer components to fix or replace.
- V4 engines may use a bit more fuel, mainly because their design is more complicated and features more moving parts. They often give you more power and work well at different speeds, which is why they’re popular for sporty bikes and performance cars. However, because they have extra parts, maintenance can be more challenging and costlier in the long run.
V4 vs. Inline-4 engine: Which is best
When it comes to the Inline-4 engine vs. the V4, the latter delivers better power. It's power-packed and has a shorter crankshaft, generating more power across a wider RPM range.
However, V4 engines are more costly to produce and quite difficult to maintain. Additionally, with the rear cylinders positioned close to the rider, they can become extremely hot. This probably explains why the good old Inline-4 still lives on.
The L4 engine is relatively cheaper to produce and easier to maintain. Therefore, some people, especially those who use their cars daily, still prefer the Inline-4 engine due to better fuel efficiency.
Let’s understand this better through the comparison table below:
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Point of comparison
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V4 Engine
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Inline-4 Engine
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Cylinder arrangement
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Arranged in a V-shape
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Arranged in a straight line
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Power delivery
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Produces more peak power
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Produces lesser power
|
|
Handling
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Handling is poor due to a higher centre of gravity, causing poor weight distribution
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Have better handling because of a centralised mass distribution
|
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Design
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They are more complex
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They have a simplified design
|
|
Application
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They are commonly used in high-performing motorcycles
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They are widely used in cars
|
|
Performance
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With shorter and stronger crankshafts, the engine is smoother in performance
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Longer crankshafts, hence the engine is less smooth in performance
|
|
Cost
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More expensive
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Less expensive
|
|
Weight
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The engine is heavier
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The engine is lighter
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Packaging
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The engine is shorter and uses less space
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The engine is longer, taking up more space
|
V4 and Inline-4 engine bikes: Popular models in India
Here is a list of popular V4 and Inline-4 engine bikes in India:
V4 engine bikes popular in India:
- Ducati Panigale V4
- Ducati Panigale V4 R
- Ducati Streetfighter V4
- Ducati Multistrada V4
- Norton V4SV (expected to be launched)
- Norton V4CR (expected to be launched)
Inline-4 engine bikes popular in India:
- Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R (399cc, Inline-4)
- Kawasaki Z900 (948cc, popular naked bike)
- Honda CB650R (649cc, neo-retro design)
- Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
- Suzuki Hayabusa (legendary sportbike)
- Honda CBR650R
Why engine type matters when choosing bike insurance
The type of engine your bike has plays a big role in your insurance costs. Insurance companies check engine size, power and design before setting your bike insurance policy premium.
Vehicles with powerful engines, such as V4s, usually cost more to insure because they pose a higher risk and have higher repair costs. In contrast, vehicles with Inline-4 engines are simpler and less expensive, so insurance is often more affordable.
To get the best value and protection, opt for a comprehensive car insurance plan or bike coverage that factors in your vehicle’s engine type and offers balanced coverage at a fair cost.
Conclusion
Choosing between a V4 and an Inline-4 engine affects how your bike rides and can also impact your costs. V4 engines offer more power and a lively feel, but they are more expensive to maintain. Inline-4 engines waste less fuel and are easier to maintain, making them great for daily rides. Knowing your engine type is also important for buying an insurance plan for your bike or car. Vehicles with powerful engines may have higher premiums.
Prefer the one that best fits your needs and budget. This way, you can enjoy riding without surprises on your bills or insurance. To learn more about the most suitable bike and car insurance online, fill out the form on this page.
FAQs
1. Which engine is better for daily riding?
Inline-4 engines are better for daily use because they are more fuel-efficient, easier to handle and more economical.
2. Do V4 engines produce more power?
Yes, V4 engines usually produce more peak power and have a broader power band than Inline-4 engines.
3. Why are V4 engines more expensive to maintain?
V4 engines have two cylinder banks, which makes them more complex, with two sets of cams, heads and valves, which increases maintenance costs.
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