Since its invention, the internal combustion engine has featured in various sizes and configurations, each with its own characteristics, advantages, and applications. Options range from the frugal inline 3-cylinders to the fire-breathing W16 engines. In between lies the six-cylinder engines, as arguably the sweet spot of the automotive world. They offer the perfect balance of power, compactness, and fuel economy—not as thirsty as V8s, but they are still powerful enough to excite enthusiasts. They come in different guises, including straight-six, V6, or flat-six configurations.