Not Fully Balanced
Unlike the in-line six-cylinder engine, the in-line five-cylinder engine has first- and second-order unbalanced moments.
This results in:
- Slight vibrations
- A characteristic pulsation
- The need for a more sophisticated engine mounting system
Although it runs more smoothly than a four-cylinder engine, it does not achieve the smoothness of an in-line six-cylinder engine.
Compared with a four-cylinder engine, additional components are required:
- An additional piston
- An additional connecting rod
- A larger crankshaft
- A longer cylinder head
- More valves
As a result, the engine is more expensive to manufacture and maintain.
The additional cylinder requires:
- More installation space
- More material
- A longer crankshaft
- A larger cylinder head
As a result, both weight and manufacturing costs increase.
The relatively long crankshaft can be susceptible to torsional vibrations at high engine speeds. This makes sophisticated vibration dampers and careful engineering essential.
