I dont know if this is the correct forum to post this, but it seems to be the best choice.

Anyway, I was curious as to what is the advantage/disadvantage to an engine with more cylinders, but same displacement with a engine with fewer cylinders. 3.0 4 vs 3.0 6 vs 3.0 8 vs 3.0 12, I guess this will be my answer, but why is there a correlation that larger engine size=more cylinders?

Anyway,
Skuz

 

Probably has to do with the mass and momentum of moving/rotating parts. Think of a piston. The lighter it is the less momentum it has which is better for durability. Pistons have to accelerate and decelerate very quickly, very often. The bigger and heavier they are, the higher the stresses. This is also why the 2.2/3 stroker kits for S2000s require a lower redline. In a stroked motor the pistons have to travel a longer distance each crankshaft revolution (compared to stock). This means the piston is achieving higher velocities (meaning more stress) than a stock motor turning the same RPM.

Of course, everything is a trade off. With more cylinders you have more moving parts and more friction. Nothing is free.