Like Coke and Pepsi, Toyota and Honda also have their dedicated set of fans. There are many reasons for people having their likes and dislikes about Toyota and Honda like their models, body types, price ranges, features, etc. However, one of the biggest reasons why the two have their dedicated legions of fans is that they use different engine technologies. While these two types of engines may not be radically different from each other, they nonetheless have their own strengths and weaknesses. We will explore them in this blog.
Toyota vs Honda: VVT-i vs i-VTEC
A Toyota developed technology, VVT-i stands for Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence. i-VTEC, a Honda developed technology, on the other hand, stands for Intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control. If you are curious to know which came first, it’s the former – VVT-i is older than i-VTEC.
Without getting too technical as the scope of this blog is to introduce these two technologies to non-techies as well, VVT-i optimizes performance through adjusting the timing of the intake and exhaust valves. Through a hydraulic mechanism, it adjusts the timing of the camshaft, which in turn adjusts the timing of the opening and closing of the valves. A VVT-i engine is known for its fuel and combustion efficiency and reduced emissions.
An i-VTEC engine optimizes performance through adjusting the timing and lift of the intake and exhaust valves. By varying the timing and lift of the intake valves, Honda cars achieve high power at high RPMs, all the while offering good fuel efficiency at low RPMs. Honda’s i-VTEC engine also features an electronic control unit which as the name suggests, controls the lifting of the valve for improved fuel consumption and reduced emissions.
VVT-i vs i-VTEC: Some More Differences
You must have already identified striking similarities between the two; however, there are some noticeable differences between the two as well, which are worth mentioning.
When it comes to adjusting the valve timing and lift, VVT-i uses a hydraulic mechanism while i-VTEC uses an electronic control unit. Another difference is that VVT-i technology is designed for fuel efficiency and emissions reduction, while i-VTEC is more focused on providing power through high RPMs to a Honda driver.
Another very interesting difference between the two is their versatility. VVT-i technology is found in many Toyota vehicles, both traditional and hybrid, while the same is not true of Honda’s engine technology. You’ll find i-VTEC in Honda traditional engine cars only.
To conclude, irrespective of their strengths and weaknesses, both technologies are still light years ahead of the traditional fixed valve timing systems. Both, to varying degrees, are known for fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and better engine performance.
This was a quick and basic introduction to the worlds of Toyota and Honda engines. We hope you found this short blog easy to read. Do leave your feedback in the comments section.
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