I would go with a 4 banger. Often, must better MPG and with new tranies, they can be quite quick and smooth.

I recently purchase a 2002 Toyota Echo and then a 2006 Scion xB. I put major miles on the Echo before a redlight runner totalled it. The xB has the same engine as the Echo, but with a newer tansmission. I love it.

the 6 cylinder car was smoother and quieter most likely because it was considered to be a all around nicer car. The 6 is kind of considered a luxury item so it would go with a car the also has more noise control and better suspension. If you are tring to same moneygo with a 2 or 3 year old 4 cylinder car

Quality and noise level probably depend more on other factors than the number of cylinders. VW, for example, has 4-cylinder turbo engines that are very nice; they also have entry-level 4-cylinder engines that are just OK and sound loud on the highway, because they're underpowered and need to work hard at 70mph.

Generally a 6-cylinder engine will be more powerful, so you'll have a quieter and maybe smoother ride at high speeds, but there are lots of 4-cylinder engines that have more than enough power to run a medium-sized car.

Foreign or Domestic also matters. But typically, you will be fine with a 4cyl car. I would step up to a 6 if you a looking at a small truck or suv.

go with the four