Which cars with four-cylinder engines deserve the title of the best high-speed machines in the world?
Four-cylinder units made even simple models like the Mazda MX-5 accessible and exciting. But they also became the heart of true exotics like the Lotus Esprit Turbo.
Powerful cars don’t necessarily need roaring V8s or to guzzle fuel without measure. Sometimes less means more, especially when it comes to well-balanced four-cylinder engines that know how to deliver maximum power at every revolution.
The Mercedes-AMG C63 faced a wave of criticism after the release of its third generation in 2022. Despite its 671-horsepower engine being 168 hp more powerful than its predecessor, fans were disappointed by the abandonment of the charismatic V8 in favor of a heavy hybrid “four-banger.” It turns out some believe a true sports car deserves more.
However, history knows many excellent models with four cylinders. The Mazda MX-5 is the first example that comes to mind. Its 1.6-liter engine produced only 114 hp, but it worked flawlessly, loved high revs, and was paired with sensual mechanics. Slow, but perfect.
A decade later, the Honda S2000 raised the bar with a 237-hp VTEC engine, although both models have roots in the 1960s Lotus Elan. And back in the 1980s, the turbocharged Esprit from Lotus proved that a “four” could be faster than “sixes” and “eights,” accelerating to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds.
Porsche has also repeatedly resorted to four-cylinder engines – from the 356 model to the modern Boxster and Cayman. Their inline “fours” weren’t known for a particularly distinctive character but provided sufficient dynamics for their brilliant chassis.
It’s impossible to imagine this list without the BMW E30 M3, its competitor the Mercedes 190E 2.5-16, rally legends like the Lancia Delta Integrale, Subaru Impreza, and Mitsubishi Evo, as well as hot hatches from the Golf GTI to the modern Civic Type R.
And there were also Alfa Romeo, Toyota MR2, Lancia Fulvia V4, Ford RS2000, and even the humble Nissan Sentra SE-R. So which one is the best? What’s your opinion?