27 Outstanding Straight-Six Engines Of All Time
When a friend of mine first drove a classic BMW with a straight-six engine, he couldn’t stop grinning for days.
It wasn’t just the power or smoothness; it was that unmistakable purr that you could feel deep in your chest, almost like the engine was a heartbeat.
Straight-six engines have a reputation for delivering power with finesse, all while maintaining a certain harmony under the hood that other engine configurations just can’t match.
Over the years, automakers have refined this engine layout, creating legendary machines that still set the bar for smooth, responsive driving.
1. BMW M88
The BMW M88 is a powerhouse that roared through the late ’70s. This engine gave the BMW M1 its heart, pumping out 277 horsepower.
It was a marvel of its time, combining innovative engineering with raw power.
Known for its reliability and performance, the M88 was not just an engine; it was a statement.
The sound it produced was music to the ears of car enthusiasts, a true symphony of the road. This engine didn’t just propel cars; it set the standard for performance.
2. Jaguar XK6
Jaguar’s XK6 engine was a piece of art hidden under the hood. Launched in 1949, it powered legends like the E-Type. This engine was all about smooth delivery, offering drivers a combination of grace and gusto.
Its design was revolutionary, boasting an aluminum head and hemispherical combustion chambers. The XK6 was a favorite among racers and collectors alike.
The purr of this engine wasn’t just a sound; it was an experience, a timeless melody that continued to captivate.
3. Toyota 2JZ-GTE
The 2JZ-GTE engine is synonymous with speed. Found under the hood of the Toyota Supra, this engine became a legend in the ’90s, famed for its tunability.
With a cast-iron block and sequential twin turbochargers, it could handle immense power upgrades. Car enthusiasts loved pushing its limits, making it a favorite for modifications.
The 2JZ-GTE was more than just an engine; it was a revolution, a symbol of the power that could be wielded on the street.
4. Mercedes-Benz M186
The Mercedes-Benz M186 engine was the epitome of luxury and performance in the 1950s. Found in the iconic 300SL Gullwing, it was as much about prestige as it was about speed.
This engine featured mechanical fuel injection, a rarity at the time, boosting its performance to impressive heights. It was a technical marvel, offering a unique driving experience.
5. Nissan RB26DETT
The RB26DETT engine is a legend from the Land of the Rising Sun. Nestled in the Nissan Skyline GT-R, it became an icon of performance in the ’90s.
With its twin turbos and robust build, it was designed to dominate the streets and the track. Enthusiasts revered its potential for modification, making it a tuner favorite.
The RB26DETT wasn’t just an engine; it was a movement, a symbol of Japanese automotive innovation and spirit.
6. Ford Barra
The Ford Barra engine is a turbocharged inline-six powerhouse that made waves in the Australian automotive market.
Its 4.0-liter capacity and robust torque make it a standout in the straight-six category, with some models delivering over 400 horsepower.
The Barra’s versatility and dependability have made it a favorite among enthusiasts and tuners, proving its place in the history of legendary straight-six engines.
7. Chevrolet 250
Chevrolet’s 250 engine was the workhorse of American roads. Reliable and robust, it powered many Chevy models in the ’60s.
Known for its longevity, it was the go-to engine for those seeking dependability. It may not have been the fastest, but it was always ready for a road trip.
The 250 was more than just an engine; it was a symbol of American resilience and practicality, a true companion for countless journeys.
8. Volvo B30
Volvo’s B30 engine was built with Scandinavian precision. Found in the Volvo 164, it offered both power and reliability.
The B30 was known for its robust design and solid performance. It wasn’t about flashy power; it was about consistent, dependable delivery.
9. AMC 258
The AMC 258 engine was the unsung hero of American compact cars. Nestled within the AMC Gremlin, it provided surprising power and reliability.
With its straightforward design, the 258 was easy to maintain and beloved by DIY enthusiasts. It was all about getting the job done without fuss.
The 258 wasn’t just an engine; it was a promise of simplicity and durability, a perfect fit for the American spirit of independence.
10. Ford 300
The Ford 300 inline-six engine was a workhorse known for its simplicity and rugged reliability.
Found in many Ford trucks and vans from the 1960s to the early 1990s, this 4.9-liter engine became a staple in American automotive history.
With a reputation for low-end torque and long-lasting durability, the Ford 300 was a favorite among tradespeople and small-business owners who needed a dependable engine for hauling and worksite duties.
11. Alfa Romeo Twin Cam
Alfa Romeo’s Twin Cam engine was a masterpiece of Italian engineering. Found in the Spider, it was all about performance and flair.
The Twin Cam was renowned for its high-revving nature and beautiful design, a combination that won hearts and races alike.
This engine wasn’t just about moving the car; it was about moving the soul, a perfect combination of art and science that only Alfa Romeo could achieve.
12. Jeep 4.0
The Jeep 4.0 engine was a stalwart of off-road adventures. Found in the Cherokee, it was built for the trails, offering reliability and power.
Known for its torque, the 4.0 was a favorite among off-road enthusiasts who valued its ruggedness and simplicity.
This engine wasn’t just about getting you from A to B; it was about taking the path less traveled and doing it with confidence and grit.
13. Pontiac OHC
Pontiac’s OHC engine was a visionary leap in the ’60s. Found in the Tempest, it was the first domestic overhead-cam engine in America.
This engine was all about innovation, offering a smoother and more efficient ride compared to its contemporaries.
The OHC was more than just an engine; it was a glimpse into the future of automotive engineering, a bold move by Pontiac that left a lasting legacy.
14. Buick Fireball
Buick’s Fireball engine was a piece of art from the ’50s. Found in the Roadmaster, it combined style with substance.
The Fireball was known for its smooth operation and impressive power, a perfect match for the luxury of Buick.
This engine wasn’t just about performance; it was about the experience, a harmonious combination of elegance and engineering that defined an era.
15. Maserati Tipo 26
The Maserati Tipo 26 engine was a pioneer on the tracks. Emerging in the 1920s, it was Maserati’s first racing engine.
This engine was all about speed and innovation, setting the stage for Maserati’s racing legacy. With its lightweight construction and high power output, it was a force to be reckoned with.
The Tipo 26 wasn’t just an engine; it was the heartbeat of Maserati’s racing spirit, a symbol of Italian excellence.
16. Datsun L20B
The Datsun L20B engine was the epitome of practicality. Found in the 510, it offered reliability and decent power for its time.
This engine was known for its simplicity and ease of maintenance, making it a favorite among budget-conscious drivers.
The L20B wasn’t just an engine; it was a trusty companion on the road, a symbol of Datsun’s commitment to delivering value without sacrificing quality.
17. BMW N55
The BMW N55 is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine known for its impressive balance of power, efficiency, and smoothness.
As a successor to the iconic N54, the N55 introduced improved technology and performance, becoming a standout in BMW’s lineup.
With up to 335 horsepower in some models, it provides a seamless blend of performance and refinement.
The N55 is praised for its responsiveness and torque delivery, making it a favorite in both the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series. Its ability to balance power with fuel efficiency makes it one of BMW’s finest engines.
18. Mitsubishi Sirius
Mitsubishi’s Sirius engine was a versatile powerhouse. Found in the Starion, it offered both turbocharged and naturally aspirated options.
This engine was renowned for its adaptability, fitting into a range of applications from sports cars to sedans.
The Sirius wasn’t just about power; it was about versatility, a testament to Mitsubishi’s ability to combination performance with practicality in an ever-changing automotive landscape.
19. Cadillac Flathead
Cadillac’s Flathead engine was a hallmark of luxury. Found in the Series 60 Special, it defined elegance and power in the 1940s.
This engine was known for its smooth performance and reliability, a perfect fit for Cadillac’s prestigious image.
The Flathead wasn’t just an engine; it was a symbol of the golden age of American automobiles, a combination of style and substance that left a lasting mark on automotive history.
20. Austin-Healey Straight-Six
The Austin-Healey straight-six engine was a gem of British motoring. Found in the 3000, it was all about driving pleasure.
This engine delivered a hearty performance, making driving feel like a thrilling adventure through the countryside.
The Austin-Healey straight-six wasn’t just an engine; it was a piece of British charm, a harmonious combination of performance and personality that captured the essence of open-road driving.
21. Chrysler Slant-Six
The Chrysler Slant-Six is one of the most iconic straight-six engines of all time, renowned for its unique 30-degree slanted design.
Introduced in 1959, the Slant-Six was engineered for durability and smooth operation, becoming a mainstay in Chrysler’s lineup for decades.
It was widely used in models like the Dodge Dart and Plymouth Valiant, offering impressive reliability and fuel efficiency.
Its distinctive design and tough performance made it a popular choice for families and workers alike, securing its place as one of Chrysler’s most enduring and beloved engines.
22. Peugeot PRV
The Peugeot PRV engine is a 2.7-liter straight-six that was developed in the late 1970s in collaboration with Volvo and Renault.
Found in cars like the Peugeot 604, the PRV engine is known for its smooth performance and distinctive sound.
Although the engine had some teething problems in its early years, it became a symbol of French automotive engineering. Its combination of refinement and power made it a great fit for luxury sedans of the time.
23. GMC 270
The GMC 270 inline-six engine was a cornerstone of GM’s truck lineup in the mid-20th century.
This 4.4-liter engine was built to withstand tough conditions, providing reliable power for trucks used in a variety of industries.
With its simple design and durability, the GMC 270 earned a reputation for toughness, handling heavy loads and difficult terrain with ease.
While not as widely known as some of the other straight-sixes on this list, its contributions to the world of work trucks make it a noteworthy and dependable engine in automotive history.
24. Aston Martin DB6
The Aston Martin DB6, powered by a 4.0-liter straight-six engine, is a classic British grand tourer known for its elegance and performance.
Introduced in 1965, it improved upon the DB5 with better aerodynamics and a more refined driving experience.
The DB6’s engine delivers a smooth yet powerful performance, perfectly complementing its stylish design.
Revered for its timeless beauty and outstanding driving dynamics, the DB6 remains one of Aston Martin’s most iconic models.
25. Ferrari Dino
The Ferrari Dino engine was a different kind of prancing horse. Found in the Dino 246 GT, it was all about finesse.
This engine was designed for balance and handling, offering a driving experience that was pure pleasure.
It was a testament to Ferrari’s pursuit of perfection and its ability to create engines that were as beautiful as they were effective.
26. Mercedes-Benz OM606
The Mercedes-Benz OM606 engine is a 3.0-liter straight-six diesel that became legendary for its durability and performance.
Known for being virtually indestructible, the OM606 was a workhorse in Mercedes’ range of diesel cars and SUVs, delivering excellent fuel efficiency while still providing a smooth and refined driving experience.
Used in models like the E-Class and G-Class, the OM606 gained a loyal following for its ability to rack up hundreds of thousands of miles without major issues.
Its reputation for reliability and longevity has made it one of the most celebrated diesel engines in automotive history.
27. Lancia Aurelia B20 GT’s V6
Sleek and mysterious, the Lancia Aurelia B20 GT’s engine hums with a unique V6 harmony that makes it a standout.
Known for pioneering the V6 configuration, this Italian masterpiece fuses elegance with precision. Its engine, a testament to 1950s ingenuity, powered the grand tourer to podium finishes in races like the Monte Carlo Rally.
The B20 GT’s engine wasn’t just about speed; it was about style and sophistication, intertwined with the romance of Italian roads.
Did you know? This engine also inspired a generation of car designers with its innovative layout and remarkable balance.