Four-cylinder engines once lived in the shadows of V6s and V8s, built primarily for economy cars and budget commuters. But with advancements in turbocharging, supercharging, and clever engineering, automakers have transformed these compact engines into powerhouses capable of staggering output. Some of today’s four-cylinder cars produce as much horsepower as classic muscle cars, and in a lighter, more efficient package. Expanded here with torque figures, acceleration times, and real-world impressions, these twelve four-cylinder machines prove that small displacement can deliver outrageous power.
Mercedes-AMG A45 S
The Mercedes-AMG A45 S holds the crown as one of the most powerful four-cylinder cars in the world. Its hand-built 2.0 litre turbocharged engine delivers 416 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission allow it to sprint from zero to sixty miles per hour in just 3.9 seconds. In the real world, it feels glued to the road, with grip that makes even rainy conditions effortless. The A45 S is proof that a hot hatch can embarrass supercars, offering speed and agility in a practical package.
Honda Civic Type R
The Honda Civic Type R has become a performance icon. Its 2.0 litre turbocharged inline-four produces 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. While front-wheel drive limits traction compared to some AWD rivals, the Type R’s suspension and limited-slip differential make it one of the sharpest-handling four-cylinder cars ever built. Zero to sixty happens in around 5.0 seconds, but it’s not just about straight-line speed—the engine feels alive across the rev range, combining Honda’s classic character with modern turbocharged punch. On a winding road, it is one of the most rewarding cars you can drive.
Volkswagen Golf R
The Volkswagen Golf R takes the EA888 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder to incredible heights. With 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, it delivers relentless acceleration in a compact, understated body. Zero to sixty comes in about 4.5 seconds thanks to all-wheel drive and the lightning-fast DSG transmission. The Golf R feels sophisticated and practical in everyday use, yet transforms into a performance machine at the press of a pedal. It’s the definition of a sleeper, able to haul groceries one minute and dominate a back road the next.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Final Edition
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution ended its run with the Final Edition, powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 303 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. Paired with Mitsubishi’s advanced all-wheel-drive system, it could reach sixty in around 4.4 seconds. In practice, the Evo felt raw, with turbo lag giving way to a fierce rush of power that made it thrilling to drive. Even though production has ended, the Evo remains a legend in the four-cylinder world, with its engine and handling combination celebrated by enthusiasts around the globe.
Subaru WRX STI (EJ Engine)
The Subaru WRX STI with its EJ25 2.5 litre turbocharged flat-four produced 310 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque. Zero to sixty arrived in about 4.8 seconds with all-wheel drive keeping things planted. The engine was quirky, with its signature rumbling boxer note and known appetite for oil, but it delivered explosive mid-range power that made the STI a joy to wring out. On snowy Canadian roads, few four-cylinder cars felt more at home, combining outrageous power with rally-bred traction.
Ford Mustang EcoBoost High Performance Package
The Ford Mustang is famous for its V8s, but the EcoBoost version with the High Performance Package proves a four-cylinder can carry the pony car badge with pride. Its 2.3 litre turbocharged engine produces 330 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Zero to sixty comes in the mid four-second range, and in real-world driving the torque-heavy engine makes the Mustang feel eager at any speed. It delivers muscle car looks and performance without the thirst of a V8, making it an intriguing choice for buyers who want Mustang flair with modern efficiency.
Toyota GR Corolla
Toyota shocked the world by putting a tiny 1.6 litre turbocharged three-cylinder in the GR Corolla, producing 300 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While technically not a four-cylinder, its outrageous output from such a small engine earns it a place alongside these giants. Zero to sixty happens in about 4.9 seconds, with an advanced all-wheel-drive system helping it claw at the pavement. In the real world, the GR Corolla feels wild and unfiltered, with a raw energy that makes it one of the most exciting compact performance cars available today.
Porsche 718 Cayman S (Turbo Four)
While Porsche purists prefer the flat-six, the turbocharged 2.5 litre four-cylinder in the 718 Cayman S produced an impressive 350 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque. Zero to sixty was possible in 4.4 seconds, and the engine provided relentless mid-range power thanks to turbocharging. The character may have been divisive, with a more industrial soundtrack than Porsche’s sixes, but the sheer performance was undeniable. It showed that even Porsche could extract outrageous power from a compact four-cylinder.
Mercedes-AMG CLA45
The Mercedes-AMG CLA45 sedan uses the same engine as the A45, producing between 382 and 416 horsepower depending on the model year. With 354 pound-feet of torque and zero to sixty in about four seconds, it is one of the most powerful four-cylinder sedans in history. On the road, it combines luxury with relentless performance, pulling hard at any speed and surprising anyone who doubts the capability of a compact four-cylinder luxury car.
Audi S3
The Audi S3 uses the same Volkswagen Group EA888 engine as the Golf R, tuned to around 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. With Quattro all-wheel drive, the S3 delivers a zero-to-sixty time of 4.6 seconds. In practice, the S3 feels planted and refined, with a level of grip and composure that makes it easy to use its power even in poor weather. It’s a compact luxury sedan with the heart of a performance car, powered by one of the best four-cylinder engines on the market.
Dodge Neon SRT-4
The Dodge Neon SRT-4 was one of the wildest compact cars of the early 2000s. Its 2.4 litre turbocharged four-cylinder delivered 230 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque, numbers that were outrageous at the time. Zero to sixty took just 5.3 seconds, putting it in the company of far more expensive performance cars. The SRT-4 was raw and unrefined, with plenty of turbo lag and torque steer, but that only added to its character. It remains a cult classic, remembered as one of the most unlikely performance heroes of its era.
Alfa Romeo 4C
The Alfa Romeo 4C combined Italian styling and lightweight design with a fiery 1.75 litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. On paper it may not match the biggest numbers here, but with a curb weight of under 2,500 pounds, it could reach sixty in just 4.1 seconds. In the real world, the engine felt ferocious, with turbo lag giving way to a hard-hitting surge of power that matched the car’s exotic looks. The 4C proved that outrageous performance can come from both horsepower and lightweight engineering.
Why Four-Cylinders Still Excite
Four-cylinder engines have transformed from humble economy units into fire-breathing monsters that rival much larger engines. With outputs well over 300 horsepower, and in some cases more than 400, these cars prove that small displacement doesn’t have to mean small performance. From the rally-bred roar of the Subaru STI to the refined brutality of the AMG A45 S, these twelve machines showcase how outrageous and exciting a four-cylinder can truly be. In a world shifting toward electrification, these cars stand as proof of just how far traditional combustion technology has been pushed.
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
