Re: does number of cylinders matter?
Engine design is like anything else. Two engines with the same horsepower will generally have similar displacement (cubic inches). The volume of each cylinder and number of cylinders determines the total displacement. If designing a one liter engine (61 cubic inches), you can achieve that with a two cylinder engine with each cylinder having 30.5 cubic inches. Or a three cylinder engine with a tick over 20 cubic inches each, or a four cylinder engine with 15 cubic inches each. Bore and stroke combinations determine cylinder volume. Long stroke & small bore generally yields and engine with high torque. Big bore short stroke generally yields higher RPM capability. Engineers jockey these characteristics to yield whatever performance goals they are trying to achieve. To confuse you even more, there are usually two, three or even four engine HP ratings using the same basic block (displacement). Carburetion, timing, exhaust, and other characteristics are modified to achieve those ratings.
. More cyls equals higher costs for repair. It's always a compromise. I like my twin but a triple or four would probably idle better, be more responsive but cost twice as much when you needed carb kits, plugs, etc. The multi will probably use more fuel.
