When it comes to performance cars, the conversation often gravitates toward V8s and V6s, but the humble four-cylinder has spawned some of the most beloved driver’s cars ever made. We dove into a lively Reddit thread where the car community shared their picks for the best four-bangers out there, and the results might surprise you.
From lightweight roadsters to turbocharged hot hatches, here’s what real drivers are saying about the four-cylinder cars that have earned their place in automotive history.
Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA)
The original Miata is basically automotive comfort food for enthusiasts, and there’s a reason it was the most popular choice in the thread. Weighing in at just over 2,100 pounds with a naturally aspirated 1.6L or 1.8L engine making around 116-133 horsepower, it proves that driving joy isn’t about straight-line speed.
The NA Miata’s perfectly balanced chassis and pure driving experience have made it the answer to “What car should I buy?” for over three decades now. Said one Redditor: “I bought the Porsche to see if I could have a daily driver that would be as much fun as the Miata. But the Macan failed at that mission.”
Ford Fiesta ST
This little hatchback punches way above its weight class with its 1.6L turbocharged engine producing 197 horsepower and 202 lb-ft of torque. The Fiesta ST feels like a go-kart that got permission to use public roads, with sharp handling and enough torque to make back-road driving genuinely exciting.
It’s also one of the last truly affordable hot hatches that Americans could buy new before Ford killed it off in 2019. “I miss my Fiesta ST so much,” said one former owner. “Car was just a little lunatic.”
Honda S2000
Honda’s high-revving masterpiece came with a 2.0L or 2.2L VTEC engine that loved to scream all the way to 9,000 RPM in early models. With around 240 horsepower in U.S. spec (and higher ratings in some other markets) and a chassis that demands respect, the S2000 has only grown in stature since production ended in 2009.
Values have climbed accordingly, with clean examples now commanding serious money.
Lotus Elise/Exige
These British featherweights take the “add lightness” philosophy to its logical extreme, with curb weights around 1,900 pounds. Even with Toyota-sourced four-cylinder engines making 189–218 horsepower in base form, the Elise and Exige deliver supercar-like handling and acceleration.
They’re not comfortable, and they’re definitely not practical, but they’re about as pure as driving experiences get. There’s a reason we call the Elise a legend here.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII
The Evo 8 represents many enthusiasts’ favorite iteration of Mitsubishi’s rally-bred sedan. Its 2.0L turbocharged engine produced 271 horsepower and worked with one of the most sophisticated all-wheel-drive systems ever put in a production car.
Today, unmodified examples are increasingly rare and valuable as the tuner tax takes its toll.
Alfa Romeo 4C
Alfa’s carbon fiber-tubbed sports car brought Italian exotic looks with a turbocharged 1.7L four-cylinder making 237 horsepower. At just 2,465 pounds, it delivered genuine supercar acceleration and handling, though the lack of power steering and rough ride weren’t for everyone.
The 4C proved that four cylinders could power a legitimate mid-engine sports car in the modern era.
Hyundai Elantra N
Don’t let the Hyundai badge fool you: the Elantra N is a legitimate performance sedan with a 2.0L turbocharged engine producing 276 horsepower. It brings features like rev-matching, launch control, and electronic drift modes at a price point that undercuts most competitors.
The N division has genuinely earned its place among performance sub-brands, and the Elantra N shows exactly why.
Ford SVT Focus
Before the modern Focus ST and RS stole the spotlight, the original SVT Focus from 2002-2004 was quietly building its cult following. Its 2.0L Zetec engine made a modest 170 horsepower, but the suspension tuning and six-speed manual made it a handler’s delight.
It’s often overlooked in hot hatch conversations, but owners swear by its engaging driving dynamics. And one Redditor didn’t forget: “Good for 140, turned on a dime. Got 30 mpg while going 80. Tall guy, and it had plenty of headroom, and that 6-speed was awesome to drive. Put over 100k on that commuter car!”
Fiat 500 Abarth
This tiny Italian troublemaker brings turbocharged attitude in a pint-sized package. With 160 horsepower from its 1.4L MultiAir engine, it’s not particularly fast in a straight line, but the aggressive exhaust note and tossable nature make every drive feel like an event.
The Abarth proves that character and fun can matter more than raw numbers.
Volkswagen Golf R
VW’s all-wheel-drive hot hatch brought supercar performance to a practical package. With a 2.0L turbocharged engine making 292–315 horsepower depending on the generation, the Golf R could hit 60 mph in under five seconds while still hauling groceries.
It’s the sensible choice that happens to be genuinely quick.
Acura Integra Type R
The DC2 Integra Type R became a legend for good reason. Its naturally aspirated 1.8L VTEC engine produced 195 horsepower and loved to rev, while the chassis delivered handling that still impresses today.
Original examples have become collectibles, with pristine models selling for over $80,000, making it one of the most valuable front-wheel-drive cars ever made.
BMW E30 M3
The original M3 set the template for all sport sedans that followed. Its 2.3L naturally aspirated four-cylinder S14 engine produced 192 horsepower in U.S. spec and came from BMW’s racing program, complete with individual throttle bodies.
The E30 M3 was built for homologation purposes and went on to dominate touring car racing, and today clean examples command six-figure prices as collectors recognize its place in automotive history.
The Four-Cylinder Hall of Fame
The variety on this list proves that great four-cylinder cars come in all shapes and sizes, from featherweight roadsters to turbocharged sedans. What they share is an ability to deliver genuine driving engagement without needing eight cylinders or exotic price tags.
Whether you prioritize revving to the moon, turbo torque, or simply wringing out every bit of performance from a lightweight chassis, there’s a four-cylinder car here that deserves your attention.