36 Fastest Four-Cylinder Cars That Drivers Swear By

35. Porsche 944

BMW wasn’t the only German company famous for powerful four-cylinder engines. In 1983, Porsche presented the 944, which proved to be an important model for the brand. One of the main features of this new car was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that could deliver 170 HP at first. This may not be an impressive number today, but it was potent by mid-’80s standards.

Further evolution of the Porsche 944 included an enlarging of the 2.5-liter four to 3.0-liters, which produced 211 HP in S2 form. But the most interesting version was the 944 Turbo S. It had a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that could put out 250 HP. Due to its light weight, solid transmission, and aerodynamics, the 944 Turbo S was a fast car. The 0 to 60 mph time took only 5.5 seconds and it could top 162 mph. Even today, this little Porsche can outrun some modern sports cars.

34. Subaru BRZ

Four-cylinder cars with impressive numbers go beyond the late 1980s icons. One such modern-day car is the Subaru BRZ. This sports coupe comes with a signature flat-four engine that delivers 205 HP out of 2.0-liters. The BRZ is a light and nimble coupe and the secret is in the position of the engine. Since Subaru is using a flat-four engine, the center of gravity is lower than with regular inline four-cylinder motors.

A lower center of gravity plants the car to the ground, improving driving dynamics. This makes the BRZ easier to handle. It also has a six-speed manual gearbox, which helps the BRZ deliver a lively performance and engaging drive. The 0 to 60 mph sprint takes 6.7 seconds while the top speed is 145 mph. With the affordable price and those performance numbers, the BRZ is a highly desirable model.

33. Ford Focus RS

The first-generation Focus RS had a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 220 HP, but it was a limited production model. In fact, it was not available in the U.S. The second-generation Ford Focus had a five-cylinder engine. However, it is the third model, the Ford Focus RS that is the most impressive.

The RS is one of the most powerful four-cylinder cars on the market, but for the first time, it’s available as a regular production model to U.S. buyers. The new Focus RS has a 2.3-liter turbocharged unit that delivers 345 HP to all four wheels, making it a capable hot hatch beast.

The performance is incredible. To go from 0 to 60 mph, it takes the RS only 4.7 seconds and the top speed is 165 mph. This kind of performance deserves special packaging, so the Focus RS has a unique front spoiler, bulged fenders, side skirts, and a spoiler. Just looking at this furious compact will tell you that this is a genuinely fast Ford.

32. Alfa Romeo 4C

For years, Alfa Romeo needed a halo car – a limited production model that could generate the hype from sports car enthusiasts. They wanted it to turn the attention of the automotive buying public to this once-glorious brand. Finally, in 2013, they introduced the Alfa Romeo 4C. Nobody expected such a car from Alfa Romeo. The 4C was a “junior supercar” with a carbon-fiber tub, lightweight construction, a cramped interior, and a four-cylinder turbo engine.

Their goal was to make the 4C as light as possible, so there are no power steering components or luxury items. The result was a fantastically capable little super sports car with a weight under 1,000 kg or 2,204 lbs, so there is no need for power steering. The heart of the 4C is a tiny, 1.8-liter engine with a turbocharger that delivers 238 HP to the rear wheels. The performance numbers are impressive. The Alfa Romeo 4C can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and top 160 mph.

The downside is that the car is extremely wide, yet it has a small interior space. The car provides a rough ride because they tuned the suspension for the race track and not for street use. The 4C is available in the U.S.; however, production is limited. If you want a supercar with the fuel economy of a compact and the power to weight ratio of a Formula One car, you should start looking before they’re even harder to find.

31. Chevrolet Camaro

Modern times brought modern versions of some legendary cars. The best example of this is the new Chevrolet Camaro. Chevy has equipped it with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Muscle car purists may wonder why Chevy would produce a four-banger Camaro. However, the new Camaro turbo is a great car with performance ratings better than those classic V8-powered models from the 1960s.

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that delivers 275 HP. In just 5.1 seconds, it can propel the heavy coupe from 0 to 60 mph. It can go up to 155 mph. Although the new four-cylinder Camaro may not have the glorious soundtrack of a V8 engine, it has the performance and fuel economy that V8’s have always lacked. The motoring press loved the new downsized engine and this version has proven how far technology has come.

30. Audi TT

Audi presented its new generation Audi TT in 2016. It immediately established itself as one of the most advanced, dynamic four-cylinder sports cars on the market. Ever since Audi introduced the first TT, this compact sports coupe has redefined the “big fun in a tiny package” mantra.

The 2017 model for the U.S. market comes with the signature Audi TFSI technology. It packs 2.0-liters of displacement and an advanced turbocharger that delivers 220 HP to all four wheels. This four-cylinder engine is common in the VW-Audi range. It can produce from 200 to over 300 HP, depending on the engine tune.

It is a lightweight, updated unit that is efficient and impressive. In fact, it only takes 5.7 seconds to go from 0 to 60. For safety and regulatory reasons, Audi has electronically limited the maximum speed to 130 mph. Rumors are the TT with this engine will top 150 mph without the electronic limiter. Big things do come in small packages, at least with the Audi TT.

29. Ford Mustang EcoBoost

Mustang purists may dismiss the 2.3-liter turbocharged model, but most people remember the early 1980’s Fox Mustangs with similar engines that delivered a decent performance. Back then, turbocharging was a state of the art technology. Fast forward 30 years, and it is still interesting to see a small four-cylinder engine produce big power.

Even before the Camaro with a 2.0-liter engine, Mustang introduced the 2.3-liter EcoBoost unit with 315 HP and convincing performance. Ford was the first major manufacturer to introduce a downsized, turbocharged engine in wake of the global economic recession. It looked strange at first, but it proved to be a good business move since the biggest part of Ford’s global engine lineup includes turbocharged four cylinders.

This influenced production of the traditional muscle car like the Mustang. When Ford presented the latest generation, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost had a place in their engine lineup. The engine proved to be capable and popular with consumers. With an acceleration time of 5.1 seconds to get from 0 to 60 mph and around 150 mph, it is fast. With an affordable price and impressive performance, the EcoBoost proved popular, making it one of the Mustang’s best sellers, not only in America but globally.

28. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X

Even though Mitsubishi discontinued it, the Lancer Evo X still is a big legend amongst performance car enthusiasts. In fact, the automotive world missed this long-lasting series of four-door sedans with four-wheel drive and powerful four-cylinder turbocharged engines. However, the success in the rally stages and brutally quick acceleration times didn’t translate well to the general market, despite the cult following.

The latest version, called the Evo X comes with a 2.0-liter turbo engine that produces 291 HP. Experts say the engine output is around 320 HP, but Mitsubishi chose to market it at 291 HP. Those performance figures are astonishing. The 0 to 60 mph acceleration time is 4.5 seconds and the Evo X can top 160 mph. The car looks like it performs, too. They gave the Evo X got a big rear spoiler, fancy side skirts, large fenders, and a massive front air dam. Even with just four cylinders, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X is a rally car for the street.

27. BMW Z4

Like Mitsubishi, BMW stopped its production of the Z4 recently. However, you can buy it new, since most dealers have leftover models on the lot. Having that in mind, you should be able to get a pretty good deal, too. This beautiful BMW roadster comes with a selection of four and six-cylinder engines.

While most people know that the straight-six is a good performer, many will be amazed at how good the four-cylinder performs. The heart of the Z4 is a turbocharged, 2.0 liter, four-cylinder engine that delivers 240 HP. That’s a powerful output that guarantees performance and economy.

The Z4 can go from 0 to 60 mph in under six seconds and top 155 mph, which is impressive for an engine that is the size of a two-liter soda bottle. The other advantage of this 2.0-liter turbo unit is the weight distribution. The Z4 has a nearly perfect weight distribution, which means it can provide great driving dynamics and neutral road holding. With the new Z4 currently in the final design stages, this is the best time to buy an older model at a wallet-friendly price to get an economical roadster.

26. Volkswagen Golf R

If you think the Golf GTI is the most powerful Volkswagen hot hatch, think again. The Golf R is the top of the line Golf with a powerful four-cylinder turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and brutal performance for a family hatchback. The R version is the derivate of the mighty R32 Golfs from the early 2000s that featured those 3.2-liter naturally-aspirated V6 engines.

However, the latest versions feature a smaller but more powerful 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, which delivers almost 292 HP. As you can expect, the performance is quite brutal for what is basically a family compact. To get from 0 to 60 mph takes 4.5 seconds and this car can top 155 mph, which is amazing.

Despite being less powerful than the Focus or the BRZ, this Golf is almost as equally fast while still being stylishly stealthy in appearance. This means the Golf R is perfect for sneaking up on drivers of expensive sports cars and frustrating them at the traffic light.

25. Mercedes CLA 45 AMG and GLA 45 AMG

Nobody expected Mercedes to enter the compact performance class or hot hatch class. After all, Mercedes is famous for big sedans that define luxury and comfort rather than compact cars with screaming engines. However, most of all, nobody expected Mercedes would do it so well. The secret of the performance of the CLA, GLA, and A Class 45 AMG is the unbelievably powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It started with 345 HP, and for 2017 model year, had 381 HP. For comparison, the 2.0-liter four delivers as much power as the 5.0-liter V8 from a couple of years back.

It’s amazing how technology has improved small engines and the power they produce. As you can expect, the performance is incredible. So, no matter which model you choose with the 2.0-liter unit, you will go from 0 to 60 mph in just above four seconds and reach 155 mph. They have electronically limited the top speed, so in theory, the compact AMG is capable of even higher speeds. The only downside of those Mercedes models is the price. They cost as much as a well-equipped E-Class sedan, which is way above the average hot hatch price.

24. Honda Civic Type R

The latest addition to the powerful four-cylinder car club is the fifth-generation Honda Civic Type R. The new performance Civic looks like every racer’s dream with numerous spoilers, scoops, and air vents. The aggressive design, great performance, and JDM appeal make this Civic a valuable and highly sought-after addition to the hot hatch class.

Honda has resisted the temptation to turbocharge its performance engines for a long time, but the Civic Type R has exactly that under the hood, like any other competitor in the class. The 2.0-liter turbo-four delivers 306 HP and can propel this nasty Civic Type R from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. It can top 170 mph.

The acceleration times are somewhat slower than their competitors. The reason is that the Civic is a front-wheel drive and not AWD, like most of the other models in its class. On the other hand, the absence of heavy all-wheel-drive hardware makes the Civic Type R a light and nimble car that hardcore performance driving enthusiasts will appreciate.

23. Subaru WRX STI

Another street racing and rally legend is the famous Subaru WRX STI. For decades, Subaru has been one of the most powerful four-cylinder cars on the market. And the latest generation of WRX STI doesn’t disappoint. Under the hood is a flat-four engine with 2.5-liters of displacement as well as a turbocharger. This combo delivers 305 HP, which goes to all four wheels via a six-speed manual. It’s a true driver’s car with a proper manual gearbox, great road holding, and enough power to make this car fly.

Performance numbers are respectable too. It goes from 0 to 60 in just 5.1 seconds and has a top speed of 160 mph. Since this is a four-door car, it is also quite practical because it can sit five people and it has a good-sized trunk, too. Also, the price is not that high, so it is a reasonable proposition for young families with a performance-oriented main driver.

22. Fiat 124 Abarth Spider

One of the most stylish roadsters currently on the market is the Fiat 124 Spider. Fiat presented the original 124 Spider in 1966. But now, 50 years later, Fiat has offered a new version with charming retro-futuristic styling, lots of interesting features, and a chassis from the Mazda Miata/MX-5. Although most of the mechanics are identical with the Mazda, Fiat installed its own engine in form of a tiny 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The displacement may be small, but this engine is big on power and produces 164 HP.

That is good enough to launch this small roadster from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. In addition, it can achieve 130 mph in the Abarth trim level. If you put the top down while driving to get an open-air feel,, the exaggerated feelings of speeding will make you think you are traveling twice as fast. This is a great thing if you want to feel the excitement of driving fast but still keep your driver’s license.

21. Porsche 718

When Porsche introduced the Boxster in 1996, it was a big step forward for the company. They replaced the four-cylinder 944/968 series with a mid-engine six-cylinder sports car to give it great road handling. So, 20 years later, they presented a new generation of Boxsters with a new name and new engines. Porsche named it the 718, but it is a fully restyled and redesigned Boxster. It comes with a choice of a 2.0 or 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

The smaller engine delivers 300 HP, while the bigger one has 350 HP with the help of turbocharging. This kind of power guarantees brutal performance. In fact, the 718 is capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds, topping 170 mph. If you choose the more powerful version, you can hit the 60 mph mark in 4.1 seconds but the top speed will stay the same.

20. Chevrolet Cobalt SS

Although discontinued, Chevrolet Cobalt SS will be remembered as one of the best and most powerful four-cylinder cars. Available as a supercharged, turbocharged, or naturally aspirated model, the best SS was the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder introduced in 2008.

The engine delivered 260 HP which was astonishing by the standards of the day and more than any of the competitors. Also, Cobalt SS had big tuning potential and it is easy to get even more power from this engine.

19. Jaguar F-Type

The current F-Type sports car from Jaguar is quite a successful model and everybody seems to adore the crazy 5.0 SVR model with 550 HP and thundering soundtrack. However, Jaguar introduced an interesting entry-level model in form of the 2.0-liter turbocharged F-Type.

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivers 300 HP which is enough to keep the sports car reputation. Unfortunately, it only comes with automatic transmission and we hope that Jaguar will introduce a manual option as well.

18. BMW 330i

BMW got its reputation for putting high revving straight-six engines into compact sedans but lately, it gained a new generation of car enthusiasts by producing highly capable small four-cylinder turbocharged engines. The best example is the current 330i 3-Series sedan.

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter four equipped with twin-turbo technology which helps this small unit produce 248 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to the intelligent 8-speed automatic transmission and a host of electronic systems, this compact executive sedan can accelerate to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds.

17. Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0 Turbo

Everybody went crazy when Alfa released the new Giulia Quadriofoglio performance sedan with 510 HP. But what to do if you cannot afford this Italian masterpiece but still want Giulia design and some performance? Simply buy a Giulia Turbo with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and 280 HP.

Despite being an entry-level model, the Giulia Turbo boasts numerous interesting features, pretty convincing performance, and charming design. The 280 HP engine can propel this sedan to 6 seconds 0 to 60 mph acceleration time which is more than enough for most drivers.

16. Ford Sierra Cosworth

Introduced in 1985, the Ford Sierra was Ford’s typical family sedan they produced in numerous versions. The car featured rear-wheel drive and an independent rear suspension. However, when Ford decided to contract the Cosworth tuning house for a performance model, a legend was born. Cosworth added a special body kit with spoilers, unique wheels, and colors.

Under the hood was a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produced 225 HP. It propelled the car to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. For 1985, those were fantastic numbers. Soon, the Sierra Cosworth became one of the hottest Fords at the time. It was also quite successful on the tracks, winning many races.

15. Ferrari 500 Mondial

Is there such a thing as a four-cylinder Ferrari? Yes, you heard it right. Despite the fact most Ferrari enthusiasts expect V8 and V10 engines, in the late ‘50s, Ferrari produced the 500 Montreal.

It was a racing car with a 2.0-liter four-pot under the hood. The car produced around 200 HP and won several prestigious races back in the day. Also, it sounded great, raw, and aggressive just like a proper race Ferrari should.

14. Mazda Mazdaspeed 3

The Mazdaspeed 3 is an overpowered and brutal front-wheel-drive car that debuted in 2007. Mazda powered this hot hatch with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder producing 263 HP. At the time, they considered that a crazy amount of horsepower going to the front wheels.

However, despite the severe torque steer, the Mazdaspeed 3 was a quite capable and rapid car that brought many customers to the dealerships. In fact, it reintroduced the Mazda as a prime affordable performance brand in the U.S, market.

13. Ford RS200

Back in the mid-80s, motorsports were all about the famous Group B. Group B was a part of the World Rally Championship. It featured factory prototypes they loosely based on production cars with turbocharged engines and all-wheel-drive systems. The cars were fast and dangerous, yet loved by fans all over the world. But eventually, the FIA canceled Group B.

However, for a few years, car manufacturers battled each other for supremacy on the mud of those rally stages. Group B provided the market with many interesting and fast road cars. That was because all the car manufacturers were obligated to produce a certain number of road-going vehicles for homologation purposes.

One of the most outstanding models was the Ford RS200 they introduced in 1984. A mid-engined, turbocharged, sports car, it featured a lightweight body. Also, it came with a 2.1-liter engine producing 250 HP, and two seats. Thanks to its all-wheel-drive, the RS200 was capable of jumping from 0 to 60 mph in just five seconds. Ford made 200 road versions the company detuned from 500 in the race version down to 450 HP.

12. BMW 2002 Turbo

In the early ’70s, BMW found success with their 02 Neue Klasse series of models. The ’02s were quick, nimble, and light coupes. They established the brand among performance lovers and racing fans all over the world. But BMW wanted more. It wanted to present the ultimate 02 model with signature design and the latest in high-performance technology: turbocharging.

So, in 1973, BMW introduced the 2002 Turbo. It was the crazy and naughty cousin to the rest of BMW’s lineup. The car featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 170 HP. They revised the suspension and brakes along with unique design details.

White was the only color choice, but they came with an interesting graphics package. On the front bumper, they wrote the word “Turbo” backward. This was so other drivers would recognize the model in their rearview mirrors when they saw flashing headlights behind them.

11. Buick Regal GS

For decades, Buick didn’t have a proper muscle machine and in 2012 it came from an unlikely source – Europe’s GM division Opel. Buick started selling rebadged Opel Insignias as Regals and amongst regular versions, the company offered a performance model called Regal GS. The stats were pretty good and drew attention from car aficionados.

Under the hood was a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 280 HP, 6-speed manual transmission, and all-wheel drive. The combo proved to be fantastically capable in real life and marked the return of Buick performance.

10. Ford Escort RS Cosworth

Ford wanted to rule the hot hatch class and win rallies, so it produced the Escort RS Cosworth model. Built using Sierra RS Cosworth bits, this Escort was smaller but featured the improved 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 227 hp.

The exterior was pure business with flared wheel arches, a hood with cooling vents, and a massive, easily adjustable rear wing. The Escort RS Cosworth was pretty fast for the day and with 5.8 seconds 0 to 60 mph time, it could beat most sports cars of the day.

9. Fiat 500 Abarth

Despite the fact that the 500 Abarth has only 160 HP from its tiny turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, it is a seriously fast and fun little car due to its small weight and compact dimensions.

Also, it is extremely practical in everyday driving, easy to park as well, and the package is completed with a small price and running costs. For enthusiasts on the budget and irresistible need for speed, this small but wicked car could be the answer.

8. Brabham BT52

In the early ‘80s, BMW entered the Formula One races, along with Brabham Team. In those days, turbo technology was all the rage. They equipped the BT52 car with 1.5-litre, four-cylinder heavily turbocharged engine that produced a fantastic 800 HP.

And the result was one of the fastest cars on the grid. In fact, it was the first Formula One title ever won by a forced induction car.

7. Mini Cooper John Cooper Works

Most people consider the Mini a benchmark car in terms of driving dynamics, precision steering and a pure hot hatch feel. And the newest John Cooper Works edition doesn’t disappoint. In fact, with its 228 HP four-cylinder engine, it is one capable urban runabout.

The acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is achievable in just 5.9 seconds while the top speed is 140 mph accompanied by glorious noise coming from exhaust pipes.

6. Alpine A110

This car is the epitome of the perfect driver’s car even though it isn’t available in the USA. If you’re familiar with the classic Alpine, you will instantly recognize the shape and the idea behind this fabulous car. It’s a small, lightweight sports coupe with a rear-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive. This car is capable of providing driving excitement and unparalleled road holding and feel.

This small coupe weighs just over a ton and has a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder behind the driver powering the rear wheels. The power is more than adequate at 252 HP running through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The specifications sound fantastic and acceleration times are under five seconds. They just released this car, but it’s doubtful that it will arrive on U.S. shores anytime soon.

5. Honda S2000

This model was a true driver’s car with all the important features. It had a lightweight construction and the ideal weight distribution. They added a powerful and rev-happy engine with razor-sharp handling all in an elegant open-top package. Under the hood was a 2.0 or 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine with 240 HP.

And that was the main selling point of the car. This little gem of an engine featured a 9,000 rpm redline and four valves per cylinder. Also, it had the famous Honda V-Tec system that provided all the power in high RPMs for a wonderful screaming sound.

4. Porsche 904 GTS

Produced for just two years, just 1964 and 1965, the Porsche 904 GTS was a racing car for the street. In fact, they designed it especially for the track, but only homologated it as a road car.

They positioned the flat-four engine behind the driver and displaced 2.0-liters with a high output of 180 HP. Since this was a racing car, the exhaust was uncorked. And that provided the 904 with glorious noise.

3. Dodge Neon SRT-4

Nobody ever considered the Neon SRT-4 to be a high-speed car. But the little Neon can top 153 mph when you drive it flat out. The presented it in 2003 and at the time, the Neon SRT4 was one of the best, affordable performance cars in America. Dodge managed to transform the compact, inexpensive and boring Neon into a pocket rocket.

They gave it a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder motor producing 230 HP. And it could propel the Neon from 0 to 60 in 5.4 seconds. Also, the top speed is high enough to get featured on this list.

2. Ford Focus ST

Because all eyes are on the brutal and capable Focus RS, most car fans don’t know the Focus ST is the sweet spot of the Focus range. The ST stands for Street Technology and it is Ford’s performance model for normal people with everyday driving habits

Under the hood, there is a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine sending power to the front wheels. With around 260 HP on tap and a perfectly-balanced front suspension, the Focus ST delivers driving excitement. But with the strong chassis, decent brakes, and direct steering, it is a great family hatchback for everyday use.

1. Hyundai Veloster N

The regular Veloster is an odd-looking hatchback with an unusual three-door layout. It includes two doors on the right side and one on the left. Apart from this quirky feature, the Veloster in its standard guise is a boring car without any real significance to car enthusiasts. However, the N version is a whole different story.

The Veloster N delivers 250 to 275 HP with its turbocharged engine and trick front differential, as well as its different suspension and exterior design package. With all of this, the nature of the car went from a boring economy hatchback into one of the best hot hatches on the market

There was a time when people laughed at the thought of a fast and powerful four-cylinder car. However, technology and engineering innovations have created cars with smaller engines yet bigger performance numbers. If you own one of these beauties, just look who’s laughing now.