Inline delivers more torque because it can provide a longer stroke of the piston over V-block. Better fuel consuption because of 2 less firing cylinders than the V-blocks. They will also wear more evenly because their vertical.
V Blocks do fit into a smaller space, weigh less, and because of shorter stroke rev-up faster. Also a shorter crank shaft and cam shaft is stronger. They do contain more moving parts to make them function so whyever one would want to use it is beond me. ??
May have to do with a patented design and the only way other companies can compete was to have a different design.
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'95 12V, super cab 4x4, BHAF, 400,000 +mi. pac brake, KDP retainer done, #10 fuel plate, boost elbow, DDS stabalizer, 215 Bosch injectors.
Now I have a Truck.