You Think Small Engines Can't Perform?
Only a few powertrains punch above their weight like the 4-cylinder engine! Packed into lightweight sports cars and hot hatches, these engines have redefined performance. Some sip fuel with precision, while others roar to the redline with unmatched speed. Let's dive into 20 legendary 4-cylinder cars that left their mark on both the road and the track.
1. Porsche 944 Turbo
Performance and balance define the Porsche 944 Turbo. It was launched in 1985. A 2.5L turbocharged inline-four produced 220 horsepower, sending power to the rear wheels for a near-perfect weight distribution. With aerodynamic advancements and a sub-six-second 0–60 mph time, the 1986 Turbo 9951, US-spec, remains one of Porsche's most underrated masterpieces.
Daniel J. Leivick on Wikimedia
2. Honda S2000
Not many cars scream as much as the Honda S2000. The USDM S2000 F20C engine revs to 8,900 rpm, squeezing 240 horsepower from just 2.0 liters. Weighing under 2,900 pounds, it's a razor-sharp corner carver that begs to be pushed to the limit.
Rich Niewiroski Jr. on Wikimedia
3. Alfa Romeo 4C
Exotic and wild, the Alfa Romeo 4C proved supercar DNA could exist in a compact package. Its carbon-fiber monocoque, usually reserved for hypercars, kept the weight under 2,500 pounds, while a 1.75L turbo-four has 240 horsepower. Raw and utterly unforgettable, just like a true Alfa should be!
Iorisrandombses5001 on Wikimedia
4. Volkswagen Golf GTI
Hot hatchbacks owe much of their existence to the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which was first introduced in 1976. The lightweight chassis, paired with a punchy 1.6L inline-four, created a new performance category. For many generations, that practicality and power kept this car a favorite.
5. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII
Born for the rally stage but bred for the streets, the Lancer Evolution VIII was nothing short of a performance powerhouse. The car's 2.0L turbocharged inline-four cranked out 276 horsepower, feeding an advanced all-wheel-drive system. With razor-sharp handling and endless tuning potential, this Evo became an icon.
6. Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Flat-four turbocharging propelled the Subaru WRX STI into automotive fame. Its rally-winning pedigree, symmetrical all-wheel drive, and high-strung turbocharged boxer engine made it an enthusiast-favorite sedan. Models from the early 2000s, particularly the GD chassis, remain highly sought after for their raw performance.
Ric man at en.wikipedia on Wikimedia
7. Toyota Celica GT-Four
Toyota's Celica GT-Four was homologated for Group A rallying. It delivered turbocharged performance and all-wheel-drive traction. Introduced in 1986, the ST165, ST185, and ST205 generations competed at the highest level. Those Celica models embodied Toyota's motorsport excellence.
dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada on Wikimedia
8. Mazda MX-5 Miata
No 4-cylinder car list is complete without the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Launched in 1989, its lightweight design, balanced chassis, and rev-happy inline-four made it the ultimate accessible sports car. Generations later, the MX-5 Miata remains the gold standard for affordable, driver-focused performance.
Shadman Samee from Dhaka, Bangladesh on Wikimedia
9. Renault 5 GT Turbo
Dubbed the "giant killer," the Renault 5 GT Turbo embarrassed larger, more powerful rivals. Weighing just 1,870 pounds, its turbocharged 1.4L inline-four produced 120 horsepower. Introduced in 1985, this French hot hatch delivered blistering pace in a deceptively compact package.
Joost J. Bakker from IJmuiden on Wikimedia
10. BMW 2002 Tii
The BMW 2002 tii, launched in 1971, combined a fuel-injected 2.0L inline-four with a lightweight frame. Delivering 130 horsepower, it defined BMW's signature "Ultimate Driving Machine" philosophy. Agile, stylish, and engaging, the 2002 Tii is a milestone in BMW's history.
11. Acura Integra Type R
Precision and performance made the Integra Type R an icon in the late 1990s. A 1.8L B18C5 engine delivered 195 horsepower, redlining at 8,400 rpm. Weighing just 2,600 pounds, this front-wheel-drive coupe dominated circuits and street races.
12. Fiat 131 Abarth Rally
Rally's success took the Fiat 131 Abarth Rally to legendary status, but its lightweight design sealed the deal. Homologated for competition, The Rally's 2.0L inline-four delivered 138 horsepower, and dominance in late 1970s WRC events made it famous.
13. Lotus Elise
Minimalist engineering turned the Lotus Elise into a game-changer, focusing on handling and driver engagement rather than brute power. A featherweight sub-2,000-pound chassis made every corner an event. The Toyota-sourced 1.8L inline-four ensured reliability, and the mid-engine layout delivered exceptional balance and agility.
Thierry & Didier Descouens on Wikimedia
14. Toyota MR2
Have you ever wanted supercar handling without the supercar price tag? The Toyota MR2 offered just that! This mid-engine masterpiece debuted with the AW11 model 1984, packing a rev-happy 1.6L inline-four. Later, turbocharged versions cranked up the power and turned it into a performance machine.
15. Audi TT 1.8T
Just a handful of cars blend style and speed like the first-generation Audi TT. With timeless design and turbocharged power, this compact coupe packed a 1.8L inline-four pushing 225 horsepower. Paired with Quattro's all-wheel drive, this Audi was all about sharp handling and year-round confidence.
16. Peugeot 205 GTI
What makes a hot hatch legendary? The Peugeot 205 GTI, introduced in 1984, answered this question with its lightweight construction and razor-sharp handling. Available with 1.6L and 1.9L inline-four engines, it delivered raw driving pleasure. Even today, enthusiasts praise the GTI's playful, responsive steering and thrilling agility.
17. Honda Civic Type R
Speed and precision found their perfect match in the Honda Civic Type R. Introduced in 1997, it redefined front-wheel-drive performance with high-revving, naturally aspirated power. Decades later, the FK8-generation model pushed limits further, delivering 306 horsepower and setting new hot hatch benchmarks.
18. Datsun 510
Another great 4-cylinder car without the big price tag! The Datsun 510, built from 1968 to 1973, proved that lightweight design and innovative engineering could punch above their weight. A 1.6L inline-four may sound modest, but its nimble chassis and motorsport pedigree made it a legend.
19. Subaru BRZ / Toyota 86
Rear-wheel drive meets balance in the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 twins. Their 2.4L flat-four emphasizes handling over horsepower, delivering a pure driver's experience. A modern nod to lightweight sports car philosophy, these cars prove power isn't everything.
20. Ford Escort RS Cosworth
Only a few cars have a rally heritage, like the Ford Escort RS Cosworth. Built for domination in the 1990s, this turbocharged beast packed a 2.0L inline-four pushing 227 horsepower. Paired with all-wheel drive, it delivered relentless grip. That massive rear wing? It's a legendary motorsport signature.
.jpg){kind=link}
