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The 20 Greatest Four-Cylinder Sports Cars Ever Made

Jimmy Adell June 20, 2025

Four-cylinder sports cars have long captivated driving enthusiasts with their brilliant blend of agility, efficiency, and surprising power. While V6s and V8s often dominate the headlines, these compact engines prove that dynamite truly comes in small packages. From turbocharged rockets to naturally aspirated rev-happy screamers, four-cylinder sports cars showcase engineering genius and creative design. Across decades, they’ve delivered visceral thrills, nimble handling, and outstanding value.
Join us as we celebrate the 20 greatest four-cylinder sports cars ever made—a testament to the enduring spirit of performance innovation.

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1. Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA)

The original Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA) burst onto the scene in 1989, instantly redefining what affordable, pure driving fun could be. Its featherweight chassis, paired with a zippy 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder, delivered exhilarating balance and responsiveness rarely seen at its price point. Revered for its unfiltered steering and bulletproof reliability, the NA Miata set a new benchmark for roadsters. Even today, it remains a darling among enthusiasts who crave authentic, analog thrills.
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2. Porsche 944 Turbo

The Porsche 944 Turbo carved its own path in the sports car world, combining a potent 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with everyday practicality. Drivers were treated to exceptional balance and agile handling, thanks to its near-perfect weight distribution. With strong acceleration and refined road manners, the 944 Turbo became an accessible gateway to Porsche’s legendary performance pedigree. Its unique blend of power and usability continues to win fans and secure its place among the greats.
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3. Ford Escort RS Cosworth

The Ford Escort RS Cosworth is a legend born from rally glory, instantly recognizable thanks to its dramatic ‘whale tail’ rear wing. Under the hood, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivered explosive power, while advanced all-wheel drive provided remarkable grip in all conditions. Its motorsport-bred engineering propelled it to cult status, both on the road and in competition. Today, the Escort RS Cosworth stands as a true icon for those who revere performance and rally heritage.
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4. Honda S2000

The Honda S2000 is revered for its astonishing 2.0-liter VTEC four-cylinder engine, which famously revs all the way to a thrilling 9000 RPM redline. This roadster’s lightweight chassis and razor-sharp handling deliver an immersive driving experience cherished by enthusiasts. With perfect balance and a precise six-speed manual transmission, the S2000 stands as a modern classic. Its unique blend of high-rev excitement and engineering purity ensures it remains a benchmark for driver engagement.
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5. Toyota MR2 (SW20)

The Toyota MR2 (SW20) brought exotic mid-engine handling to the masses with remarkable accessibility. Fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, it delivered impressive straight-line speed and cornering prowess rarely found at its price point. Its crisp chassis and responsive steering quickly earned it a loyal following among driving purists. The SW20 MR2 remains an enthusiast icon, blending affordability with a level of performance and excitement that belies its humble origins.
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6. Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 pioneered the hot hatch genre, forever changing the landscape of sporty compact cars. With its lively 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and featherweight chassis, the GTI delivered zippy performance wrapped in practical packaging. Its blend of everyday usability and driving excitement set a new standard, making it an instant classic. The Mk1 GTI’s influence is still felt today, as it inspired generations of fun-to-drive hatchbacks.
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7. Alfa Romeo 4C

The Alfa Romeo 4C stands out as a featherweight marvel, built around a cutting-edge carbon-fiber tub for exceptional rigidity and lightness. Its turbocharged 1.75-liter four-cylinder engine propels the 4C with Italian flair and urgency, delivering a raw, unfiltered connection to the road. This car’s minimalist interior and focus on pure driving sensations evoke the spirit of classic Alfa sports cars, making it a modern enthusiast’s dream.
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8.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX boasts a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an advanced all-wheel-drive system, reflecting its deep rally heritage. Renowned for razor-sharp handling and astonishing tunability, the Evo IX quickly earned legendary street status. Its aggressive stance and technological prowess make it a favorite for both spirited driving and serious modification. The Evo IX remains a beloved icon for those who crave relentless performance and dynamic thrills.
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9. Subaru Impreza WRX STI (GD)

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI (GD) brought rally-bred performance to the street with its turbocharged flat-four engine and legendary all-wheel-drive system. Its aggressive styling and functional aerodynamics matched its formidable on-road and off-road capabilities. Loved for its robust aftermarket support and relentless grip, the GD STI quickly became a cult favorite among enthusiasts. It stands as a symbol of accessible, uncompromising performance that continues to thrill drivers worldwide.
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10. Lotus Elise (Series 1)

The Lotus Elise (Series 1) exemplifies the essence of lightweight engineering, boasting a featherweight aluminum chassis and a spirited 1.8-liter Rover K-Series four-cylinder engine. Its minimalist design strips driving down to its purest form, delivering unmatched agility and feedback. The Elise’s raw, connected experience makes it a true favorite among purists seeking a genuine, analog machine. Even decades later, the Series 1 Elise remains a benchmark for driver-focused sports cars.
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11. BMW 2002 Turbo

The BMW 2002 Turbo made history as Europe’s first turbocharged production car, harnessing a lively 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for exhilarating acceleration. Its distinctive boxy styling, flared wheel arches, and aggressive graphics set it apart from its contemporaries. With strong motorsport roots and a reputation for sharp handling, the 2002 Turbo remains a cherished classic among collectors and enthusiasts. It stands as a testament to BMW’s pioneering spirit in performance engineering.
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12. Renault Clio Williams

The Renault Clio Williams captured hearts with its potent 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and lightweight hatchback proportions. Created to homologate Renault’s rally cars, the Williams edition delivered electrifying agility and sharp, engaging handling. Its gold wheels and blue paint became instantly recognizable symbols of performance. The Clio Williams is now a cult classic, cherished for its rally pedigree, raw driving thrills, and unique place in hot hatch history.
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13. Fiat 124 Spider Abarth

The Fiat 124 Spider Abarth injects classic Italian flair into the modern roadster segment, blending retro-inspired design with a punchy turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder. Rear-wheel drive and nimble handling give it a distinctly playful character, making every drive engaging and fun. Unique styling cues and a racy exhaust note distinguish it from its contemporaries, while the Abarth badge signals genuine performance intent. The 124 Spider Abarth stands out as a charming and spirited choice for open-top motoring enthusiasts.
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14. Toyota Celica GT-Four (ST205)

The Toyota Celica GT-Four (ST205) stands as a true rally hero, boasting a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. With striking, aggressive styling and rally-bred engineering, the ST205 delivered impressive performance on both tarmac and gravel. Its motorsport pedigree and robust build have helped it amass a loyal following among enthusiasts. The Celica GT-Four remains a standout in Toyota’s performance history, celebrated for its capability and bold design.
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15. Audi TT RS (8S)

While the latest Audi TT RS (8S) boasts a celebrated 2.5-liter five-cylinder, its earlier iterations demonstrated serious four-cylinder performance. This coupe is renowned for merging exhilarating speed with everyday usability, wrapped in unmistakably sleek styling. The TT RS consistently delivers sharp handling and luxury features, making it a well-rounded modern sports car. Its blend of performance and practicality has earned it a dedicated following and cemented its status as a contemporary automotive icon.
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16. Acura Integra Type R (DC2)

The Acura Integra Type R (DC2) is celebrated for its meticulously hand-built 1.8-liter VTEC four-cylinder and brilliantly lightweight chassis. With razor-sharp steering and handling, it has often been hailed as the best front-wheel-drive sports car ever made. Its high-revving engine, precise manual transmission, and focused engineering deliver a pure, exhilarating drive. The Integra Type R’s legendary status endures, inspiring enthusiasts and collectors alike.
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17. Peugeot 205 GTI

The Peugeot 205 GTI is often regarded as the quintessential hot hatch, thanks to its lively 1.6 and 1.9-liter four-cylinder engines and exceptionally nimble chassis. Its cheeky character and responsive handling deliver a level of raw, analog driving excitement that few cars can match. Even decades after its debut, the 205 GTI remains a beloved icon, celebrated by enthusiasts for its pure, joyful approach to spirited motoring.
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18. Nissan Silvia (S13)

The Nissan Silvia S13 made its mark with a choice of turbocharged 1.8-liter CA18DET or 2.0-liter SR20DET engines, both delivering lively power through a classic rear-wheel-drive layout. Praised for its balance and tunability, the S13 quickly became a legend in the drifting world and among modification enthusiasts. Its responsive chassis and robust aftermarket support have cemented the Silvia’s reputation as a versatile and beloved performance platform.
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19. Lotus Europa Twin Cam

The Lotus Europa Twin Cam captivated enthusiasts with its featherweight construction and energetic twin-cam four-cylinder engine. Built for sheer driving enjoyment, its nimble chassis and unique, low-slung styling set it apart from contemporaries. The Europa’s racing pedigree shines through in every corner, rewarding drivers with remarkable feedback and agility. Today, it stands as a vintage gem—a testament to Lotus’s uncompromising focus on lightweight performance and innovation.
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20. Ariel Atom 4

The Ariel Atom 4 is the embodiment of minimalist performance, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter Honda engine that unleashes staggering acceleration. Its skeletal, open-wheel design strips away all but the essentials, delivering racecar-like agility and an unfiltered connection to the road. Every drive in the Atom 4 is an adrenaline rush, making it a legend among track-day enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. This car redefines the boundaries of four-cylinder sports car excitement.
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Conclusion

Create me a vibrant natural(3) — Image source: motor-junkie

From nimble hot hatches to exotic mid-engine marvels and rally-bred legends, four-cylinder sports cars have continually pushed the boundaries of innovation and excitement. Their diversity and engineering brilliance ensure they remain a vital part of automotive history—delivering thrills, efficiency, and accessibility across generations. Whether you’re drawn to analog classics or modern, turbocharged icons, these machines prove that true driving passion doesn’t require a massive engine.
Celebrate their legacy, and perhaps experience the joy of a four-cylinder sports car for yourself.

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The 20 Greatest Four-Cylinder Sports Cars Ever Made

1. Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA)

2. Porsche 944 Turbo

3. Ford Escort RS Cosworth

4. Honda S2000

5. Toyota MR2 (SW20)

6. Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1

7. Alfa Romeo 4C

8.

9. Subaru Impreza WRX STI (GD)

10. Lotus Elise (Series 1)

11. BMW 2002 Turbo

12. Renault Clio Williams

13. Fiat 124 Spider Abarth

14. Toyota Celica GT-Four (ST205)

15. Audi TT RS (8S)

16. Acura Integra Type R (DC2)

17. Peugeot 205 GTI

18. Nissan Silvia (S13)

19. Lotus Europa Twin Cam

20. Ariel Atom 4

Conclusion

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