The 10 Most Exciting 4-Cylinder Cars Ever Made | HotCars - HotCars

The four-cylinder engine is one of the most common motors currently on the market. Sure, it might not have the same appeal as a V6 or a beefy V8, but it still can be a fantastic engine. This type of engine is perfect for lightweight cars as it can generate immense power and at the same time be small and compact.

It's too bad, then, that the stigma of four-pots being underpowered and bad-sounding still carries over from the days when these engines were used solely on commuters and family cars. The great thing about these engines is that they're not only easier to manufacture but also easier to work on.

On that note, here are the most exciting four-cylinder ever made. Each of these cars will give you goosebumps when driving them regardless of the engine displacement or power they hide under the hood.

10 Honda S2000

This is one of the most iconic cars that Honda had ever made. The S2000, which was in production from 1999 until 2009, has one of the largest fan bases ever. The Honda was powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produced 247 horsepower and could push the car to a top speed of 150 mph.

Its engine is considered a classic as it is a high-revving naturally aspirated beast. The rear-wheel-drive layout combined with the lightweight and the great suspensions made this car an absolute icon.

9 Subaru WRX STI

The Impreza has been in production for almost three decades and it is one of the most respected models on the market. The new STI is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four cylinder engine that produces 310 horsepower and can push the Subaru to a top speed of 174 mph.

This car is basically a road-legal rally car. The all-wheel-drive layout combined with that power makes the Subaru extremely exciting to drive. This car was first created in 1992 for the rally championship and throughout the years, it never lost its DNA of a true beast.

8 Volkswagen Golf R

The new R is the most powerful Golf that Volkswagen has ever made. The R is powered by a beefed-up version of the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine used by the iconic GTI. The engine produces 318 horsepower and can push the car to an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph.

The Golf is able to go from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.7 seconds. This is considered one of the best hatchbacks on the market as it offers immense power, comfort, and reliability.

7 Ford Focus RS

The RS is one of those cars that can make you fall in love with a single look. This car is a bonafide rocket. The Ford is powered by an efficient turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a jaw-dropping 345 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque.

The aggressive hatchback can reach the top speed of 165 mph and go from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.7 seconds. The all-wheel-drive Focus is truly one of the most exciting purchases that a gear head could ever make.

6 Alfa Romeo 4c

This is one of the coolest cars that Alfa Romeo has blessed us with. The 4c did not receive the love it deserved through the years but it is absolutely a fantastic car. The 4c is powered by a turbocharged 1.75-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 237 horsepower and can push the car to a top speed of 160 mph.

This Alfa is so fast that it can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 4 seconds. It's also one of the most beautiful cars that you will ever see on a road. The 4c was the first mass-produced Alfa Romeo to return to the North American market in the 21st century.

5 Honda Civic Type R

Honda just knows how to make quick compact beasts. The Type R has an aggressive look that with the pronounced spoiler in the back simply looks amazing. The Civic is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine that produces 306 horsepower. The powerful engine pushes the Type R to a top speed of 169 mph.

The three exhausts in the back produce a heavenly sound that is incredibly addictive for the driver. This hatchback has everything you would want from a supercar for half of the price.

4 Jaguar F-Type

The F-Type is one of the most fun two-seaters currently on the market. The cheaper version of the F-type is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine that produces 296 horsepower. The Jaguar reaches an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph and can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 5 seconds.

This Jaguar has proved to be a very popular model as it has a rather unique look and a fantastic engine. This car is considered by many the true heir of the legendary E-type.

3 Caterham Seven 420r

This is certainly not a typical car that you can use any day. This is more like the weekend ride that is meant to be a fun toy. The car is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine that produces 210 horsepower.

The 420r is extremely light as it is basically only four wheels with an engine and it can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.8 seconds. The car reaches a top speed of 140 mph. The Caterham is a difficult beast to control as it is extremely quick and it is not afraid to bite back.

2 Porsche 718 Cayman

This is one of the finest four-cylinder engines ever made as this Porsche is blistering fast. The 718 is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four cylinder engine that produces 365 horsepower and can push the car to a top speed of 180 mph.

The Cayman is extremely quick as it can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.o seconds. This mid-engine roadster might not be appreciated by Porsche purists as they believe that Porsche should only make rear-engined cars. However, the Cayman is Porches's most sold model ever.

1 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG

Mercedes-Benz CLA45 s AMG — Via: Motor1.com

Everybody knows that when Mercedes and AMG work together they will inevitably create some incredible beasts. The CLA45 AMG is a prime example of speed. The car is powered by a twin-turbo 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder that produces an unbelievable 421 horsepower. The AMG reaches the electronically limited top speed of 168 mph and it is able to go from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds.

The CLA45 engine is actually the most powerful four-cylinder engine ever built. This car is the king of the four-cylinder engines and hatchbacks as no one can even get close to its power.

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Gian Matteo Sacchetti (46 Articles Published)

Originally from Italy, Gian Matteo is a journalist that has worked in newsrooms around the world from San Diego to Los Angeles to London. His first love is a yellow 1967 Porsche 911.