4 vs. 6 in the mountains

4 vs. 6 in the mountains...Will the extra rpm needed by the 4 to get up the hills cost me mpg and longevity? Enough to make it financially reasonable to move up to a V6?

It all depends on what kind of cars you're talking about. Some 4 bangers do great in the mountains, some V6's do poorly, & vice versa. The best engine for the mountains is said to be any turbo four, the thinner air has less of a effect on a turbocharged engine.

Supply us with some details of what cars you're thinking about & then we'll let you know of our opinions.