4-Cylinder Engines That Prove You Don’t Need A V8

It turns out there is a replacement for displacement.

Though the era of downsizing isn’t all it’s cracked up to be in the economy stakes, the era of the turbocharger sure has its benefits. Most crucially, the addition of turbos has huge benefits for the torque output of an engine, with power taking a bump beyond its regular potential too. Keith Duckworth – engineer for Cosworth – once said that ”turbochargers are for people who can’t build engines.” Nowadays turbochargers are magical ways of enhancing a great engine and making it better, turning 4-cylinder motors into V8-killers. That’s big talk, and the traditionalists are picking up their torches and pitchforks as I write this, but these 4 cylinder engines prove that statement to be true.

Audi S3 / Audi TT S / VW Golf R

All three of these Volkswagen-family products make use of the same EA888 high-performance 2-liter engine that’s been doing duty since the Mk V Golf GTI. It’s been a tuner's delight since the early days, and with time, engineering has only made it better. In its current incarnation the turbocharged inline-4 boots out 292 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. A 2001 Mustang Bullitt only had outputs of 265hp from its 4.6-liter V8, and the turbo-4 means torque is available freely through the rev-range for improved acceleration. The engine has been proven to exceed 400hp too, in VW’s Golf R400 concept.

Alfa Romeo Giulia

Though the Alfa Romeo Giulia is often defined by its 50:50 weight balance, carbon fiber driveshaft, and the M3-baiting Quadrifoglio’s Ferrari-derived 503hp V6 engine, the base models offer some impressive clout too. Powered by a new all-aluminum turbocharged 4-cylinder displacing 2.0-liters, in its highest state of tune the motor sends 280 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox. There’s an optional all-wheel-drive system too, which enables a 0-60 mph sprint of quicker than 5 seconds. Chevrolet’s V8-powered Camaro of 1996 had a comparable 285 hp – proving how in just 20 short years the humble 4-cylinder has improved.

Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 / GLA 45

The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 and GLA 45 have become modern-day halo cars for the diminutive 4-cylinder. Rivaling BMW’s 3.0-liter turbo-6 and Audi’s turbo 5-pot, the AMG 45 range punches way above its weight. With the new ones expected to eclipse 400 hp. Currently, the 2.0-liter unit generates 376 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, nearly matching the outputs of a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E500, despite the latter boasting a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 worth 383 hp. The CLA 45 though is vastly quicker, eclipsing the E500’s 0-60 mph time by more than a full second.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X FQ400

It’s not just modern turbo-4s that provide immense power for their outputs. As far back as the early 2000s the Subaru Impreza WRX STi and Mitsubishi Evo were thumping giant-killers. The biggest giant-killer of them all was the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X FQ400 of 2010, which produced 403 hp and 387 lb-ft, and claimed the 0-60 mph sprint in a supercar-bating 3.8 seconds. A 2010 Mustang GT only had 315 hp and 325lb-ft from its 4.6-liter V8, proving there is a replacement for displacement.

Volvo S60 / V60 Polestar

For decades, Volvo was seen as the brand that epitomized safety, and performance was the last thought in their engineers’ minds. But with Polestar now pursuing electrified performance, it’s a new era for the brand. The Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar models gave us a preview of just what the performance arm could do, taking a 2.0-liter Drive-E four-cylinder engine, equipping it with both a turbocharger and a supercharger, thus giving it 36 2hp and 350 lb-ft – making it more powerful than the original AMG CLA 45, and more powerful than a C5 Corvette.

Honda Civic Type R

What does it take to make a front-wheel-drive hatchback conquer the Nurburgring quicker than a 2004 Ford GT? Well, all it takes is a little boost, and when the Japanese brand finally succumbed to the notion of forced induction it paid dividends. The current FK8 Type R uses a 2.0-liter turbo-4 that generates up to 316 hp in Japan, though US versions only output 306 horses, which is still more than a C4 Corvette, and vastly quicker on the street and around a racetrack.

Ford Focus RS

Though the Ford Mustang EcoBoost might seem the obvious addition to this list, with a turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder rivalling V8’s of old, that engine was developed further for inclusion in the Ford Focus RS – Ford’s mighty all-wheel drive drift-mode enabled super-hatch. Well in the Focus RS, that 2.3-liter generates a mighty 350 hp and equal amounts of torque, 35 hp more than a 2010 Mustang GT and with 25 lb-ft more twist. But the Focus RS also does 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds, quicker than a 2014 Dodge Charger SRT8.

Porsche 718 Cayman / Boxster GTS

The world has rued Porsche’s decision to downsize the Cayman and Boxster to 4-cylinder turbocharged engines – after all, they do sound like hyped up Hoovers more than top-class sports cars. But, the 4-cylinder’s efficacy can’t be denied, and in no place is this on display more than in the 718 Cayman and Boxster GTS models.

The 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4 generates 365 hp and 309 lb-ft. Impressive figures, stronger than many a classic V8, but it’s the performance those figures give that’s most impressive, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds – as quick to the mark as a C6 Corvette.

BMW X2 M35i

BMW is on the verge of going front-wheel-drive with a range of its smaller vehicles, as we’ve already seen on the X1 and X2 models. With the change in drivetrain they’ve also given us new engines for the application, including the M35i denomination models with a 2.0-liter turbo-4 worth 302 horsepower and 332 lb-ft – more power than a 2003 BMW 540i which was equipped with a 4.4-liter V8. Less than half the displacement, with more power, a better torque curve, and greater efficiency – welcome to the age of the turbo!

Subaru WRX STI

In 2018, the Subaru WRX STI’s 310 hp is well within the competitive ranks of its class, more than the Golf R and the Civic Type R. But the EJ257 motor at its heart, a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4, has been in the US since 2004 outputting 300 hp – the same as the Ford Mustang of the same year. Paired with all-wheel drive, the WRX STI has consistently punched above its weight, both in a straight line and around the racetrack, proving a 4-pot is more than capable of holding its own against a V8.

Jaguar F-Type 2.0

Though most pine over the Jaguar F-Type’s supercharged 5.0-liter V8, the entry-level 2.0-liter turbo-4 represents the huge potential of the humble 4-cylinder. Part of the brand’s new Ingenium line-up of engines, the modular 4-cylinder is turbocharged to produce 296 hp and 295 lb-ft. 0-60 mph takes 5.4 seconds, only slowed by the F-Type’s relatively heavy weight figure. In Sport mode, the sound system may pipe in false V6 noises, but the performance on offer is all 4-cylinder.

4-Cylinder Engines That Prove You Don’t Need A V8

It turns out there is a replacement for displacement.

Though the era of downsizing isn’t all it’s cracked up to be in the economy stakes, the era of the turbocharger sure has its benefits. Most crucially, the addition of turbos has huge benefits for the torque output of an engine, with power taking a bump beyond its regular potential too. Keith Duckworth – engineer for Cosworth – once said that ”turbochargers are for people who can’t build engines.” Nowadays turbochargers are magical ways of enhancing a great engine and making it better, turning 4-cylinder motors into V8-killers. That’s big talk, and the traditionalists are picking up their torches and pitchforks as I write this, but these 4 cylinder engines prove that statement to be true.

Audi S3 / Audi TT S / VW Golf R

All three of these Volkswagen-family products make use of the same EA888 high-performance 2-liter engine that’s been doing duty since the Mk V Golf GTI. It’s been a tuner's delight since the early days, and with time, engineering has only made it better. In its current incarnation the turbocharged inline-4 boots out 292 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. A 2001 Mustang Bullitt only had outputs of 265hp from its 4.6-liter V8, and the turbo-4 means torque is available freely through the rev-range for improved acceleration. The engine has been proven to exceed 400hp too, in VW’s Golf R400 concept.

Alfa Romeo Giulia

Though the Alfa Romeo Giulia is often defined by its 50:50 weight balance, carbon fiber driveshaft, and the M3-baiting Quadrifoglio’s Ferrari-derived 503hp V6 engine, the base models offer some impressive clout too. Powered by a new all-aluminum turbocharged 4-cylinder displacing 2.0-liters, in its highest state of tune the motor sends 280 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox. There’s an optional all-wheel-drive system too, which enables a 0-60 mph sprint of quicker than 5 seconds. Chevrolet’s V8-powered Camaro of 1996 had a comparable 285 hp – proving how in just 20 short years the humble 4-cylinder has improved.

Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 / GLA 45

The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 and GLA 45 have become modern-day halo cars for the diminutive 4-cylinder. Rivaling BMW’s 3.0-liter turbo-6 and Audi’s turbo 5-pot, the AMG 45 range punches way above its weight. With the new ones expected to eclipse 400 hp. Currently, the 2.0-liter unit generates 376 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, nearly matching the outputs of a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E500, despite the latter boasting a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 worth 383 hp. The CLA 45 though is vastly quicker, eclipsing the E500’s 0-60 mph time by more than a full second.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X FQ400

It’s not just modern turbo-4s that provide immense power for their outputs. As far back as the early 2000s the Subaru Impreza WRX STi and Mitsubishi Evo were thumping giant-killers. The biggest giant-killer of them all was the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X FQ400 of 2010, which produced 403 hp and 387 lb-ft, and claimed the 0-60 mph sprint in a supercar-bating 3.8 seconds. A 2010 Mustang GT only had 315 hp and 325lb-ft from its 4.6-liter V8, proving there is a replacement for displacement.

Volvo S60 / V60 Polestar

For decades, Volvo was seen as the brand that epitomized safety, and performance was the last thought in their engineers’ minds. But with Polestar now pursuing electrified performance, it’s a new era for the brand. The Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar models gave us a preview of just what the performance arm could do, taking a 2.0-liter Drive-E four-cylinder engine, equipping it with both a turbocharger and a supercharger, thus giving it 36 2hp and 350 lb-ft – making it more powerful than the original AMG CLA 45, and more powerful than a C5 Corvette.

Honda Civic Type R

What does it take to make a front-wheel-drive hatchback conquer the Nurburgring quicker than a 2004 Ford GT? Well, all it takes is a little boost, and when the Japanese brand finally succumbed to the notion of forced induction it paid dividends. The current FK8 Type R uses a 2.0-liter turbo-4 that generates up to 316 hp in Japan, though US versions only output 306 horses, which is still more than a C4 Corvette, and vastly quicker on the street and around a racetrack.

Ford Focus RS

Though the Ford Mustang EcoBoost might seem the obvious addition to this list, with a turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder rivalling V8’s of old, that engine was developed further for inclusion in the Ford Focus RS – Ford’s mighty all-wheel drive drift-mode enabled super-hatch. Well in the Focus RS, that 2.3-liter generates a mighty 350 hp and equal amounts of torque, 35 hp more than a 2010 Mustang GT and with 25 lb-ft more twist. But the Focus RS also does 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds, quicker than a 2014 Dodge Charger SRT8.

Porsche 718 Cayman / Boxster GTS

The world has rued Porsche’s decision to downsize the Cayman and Boxster to 4-cylinder turbocharged engines – after all, they do sound like hyped up Hoovers more than top-class sports cars. But, the 4-cylinder’s efficacy can’t be denied, and in no place is this on display more than in the 718 Cayman and Boxster GTS models.

The 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4 generates 365 hp and 309 lb-ft. Impressive figures, stronger than many a classic V8, but it’s the performance those figures give that’s most impressive, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds – as quick to the mark as a C6 Corvette.

BMW X2 M35i

BMW is on the verge of going front-wheel-drive with a range of its smaller vehicles, as we’ve already seen on the X1 and X2 models. With the change in drivetrain they’ve also given us new engines for the application, including the M35i denomination models with a 2.0-liter turbo-4 worth 302 horsepower and 332 lb-ft – more power than a 2003 BMW 540i which was equipped with a 4.4-liter V8. Less than half the displacement, with more power, a better torque curve, and greater efficiency – welcome to the age of the turbo!

Subaru WRX STI

In 2018, the Subaru WRX STI’s 310 hp is well within the competitive ranks of its class, more than the Golf R and the Civic Type R. But the EJ257 motor at its heart, a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4, has been in the US since 2004 outputting 300 hp – the same as the Ford Mustang of the same year. Paired with all-wheel drive, the WRX STI has consistently punched above its weight, both in a straight line and around the racetrack, proving a 4-pot is more than capable of holding its own against a V8.

Jaguar F-Type 2.0

Though most pine over the Jaguar F-Type’s supercharged 5.0-liter V8, the entry-level 2.0-liter turbo-4 represents the huge potential of the humble 4-cylinder. Part of the brand’s new Ingenium line-up of engines, the modular 4-cylinder is turbocharged to produce 296 hp and 295 lb-ft. 0-60 mph takes 5.4 seconds, only slowed by the F-Type’s relatively heavy weight figure. In Sport mode, the sound system may pipe in false V6 noises, but the performance on offer is all 4-cylinder.

Quickest 4-Cylinder Cars On The Market

These models prove that speed is a state of mind, not engine size.

In the age of downsizing, 4 cylinder performance cars are becoming a frequent occurrence. Though they often lack the compelling soundtrack of their 6 and 8 cylinder counterparts, through the magic of turbocharging there is little compromise in terms of performance. The pursuit of efficiency is more than just fuel economy, but economy of power, economy of weight, and all-round efficiency – making the most from the least available displacement and cylinder count.

These 8 vehicles prove that even a 4 cylinder engine can produce not only impressive outputs, but provide swift and effective acceleration in the process.The quickest 4 cylinder cars on sale in the United States today, by manufacturer claimed acceleration times, are as follows.

Mercedes-AMG CLA45 - 4.1 seconds

Powered by a 375-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo 4 banger, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is the world’s most powerful production 4 cylinder vehicle. Paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission and a Haldex-based all-wheel drive system, the CLA45 is capable of an immensely quick 0-60 mph sprint of 4.1 seconds. It might be quite an anodyne thing to drive, but it offers point and shoot performance like no other – enabling almost any driver to achieve maximum potential. The fact that the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 can hold a candle to the Audi RS3 and BMW M2 is testament to the potency of this mega 4 cylinder engine.

Alfa Romeo 4C - 4.1 seconds

Alfa Romeo is in the midst of a renaissance, but the Giulia and Stelvio overshadow the hardcore pocket rocket that is the 4C. Available in coupe and convertible variants, the 4C is best described as Spartan. It’s a visceral, raw driving experience with a carbon fiber tub and a mid-mounted 1.75-liter turbocharged 4 cylinder at its heart. Outputs of 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque seem meager, but with a curb weight of around just 2 300 pounds, power to weight is absolutely mega, enabling a 0-60 mph sprint of 4.1 seconds.

It’s an uncompromising car to drive though, with no power steering, next to no ground clearance, and a rock hard suspension setup. Horrible to drive daily, the rear-wheel drive sports car comes to life when the planets align and a smooth, winding road appears.

Mercedes-AMG GLA45 – 4.3 seconds

Based on the same front-drive architecture as the AMG CLA45, and packing the same all-wheel drive system and potent 375-hp 2.0T 4-pot as its sibling, the AMG GLA45 records a 0-60 time 0.2 seconds off the pace – due to the raised ride height and slightly softer suspension setup. Still, at 4.3 seconds it’s one of the quickest on the market, and it offers greater practicality and more comfort than almost all other speedsters on this list.

Porsche 718 Boxster S - 4.4 seconds

The sprint time for the Porsche 718 Boxster S is identical to both the hard topped Cayman and the more hardcore GTS derivative at 4.4 seconds. The 718 range has drawn criticism from the masses for downsizing from 6 to 4 cylinder engines – with many citing the perfect chassis is now let down by a poor soundtrack. Regardless, the 2.5-liter turbo flat 4 develops 350 hp, channeled to the rear wheels to enable rapid acceleration. But the Boxster entertains far beyond the 60 mph mark with sublime chassis dynamics that make any drive an entertaining one. But for all the performance, it could sound just a little better.

Volkswagen Golf R - 4.5 seconds

Volkswagen makes a surprise entrance on this list thanks to its hottest hatch on sale. The VW Golf R makes use of all-wheel drive and a 292-hp 2.0-liter turbo motor to crank out a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds – when equipped with the quick-shifting DSG dual clutch gearbox. Against its chief rival, the Ford Focus RS, the Golf R provides a more composed, comfortable alternative, while matching and even outgunning the Ford in performance numbers. But it comes at a price, and the Golf R isn’t the most involving until you push it to its limits – even then, it feels more CGI than analog involvement

Audi S3 Sedan / Audi TT S - 4.6 seconds

Forgive the double entry in 5th slot, but both these Audi’s share the same MQB underpinnings, the same 2.0-liter turbo motor, the same all-wheel drive system, and the same dual clutch gearbox. In fact they’re mechanically identical to the VW Golf R above – despite the 0.1 second deficit in claimed 0-60 mph times. Go figure. Both the Audi S3 Sedan and TT S offer potent performance in a stylish and luxurious premium package – while offering comfort, and point and shoot ease of use. Though the 2.0-liter motor may only output 292 hp, they’re strong ponies that kick hard and never give up. The 4.6 second 0-60 mph time is testament to that.

Ford Focus RS – 4.7 seconds

The Ford Focus RS appears surprisingly far down on this list, and it’s down to one simple reason. The 4.7 second claimed sprint time is actually for the 0-62 mph sprint, as nowhere does Ford make any official claims for the 0-60 mph time. Now 2 mph might seem insignificant, but when it’s a matter of a shift from 2nd to 3rd to get the extra speed, several tenths of a second can be shaved. The all-wheel drive Ford Focus RS may be best known for its ‘drift mode’, but its 2.3-liter turbo-four produces 350 hp and 350 lb-ft resulting in some impressive sprint times too – largely thanks to the trick all-wheel drive system though that manages torque exceptionally well.

BMW 230i xDrive – 5.2 seconds

In the 2 Series line-up, the meager 230i is often overlooked in favor of its 6-cylinder M240i brother. But the 2.0-liter turbo-four in the 230i is equally as impressive, and arguably nimbler through the corners. With 248 hp though, it’s no slouch, and when paired with the 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system, it achieves a claimed sprint time of 5.2 seconds – 0.1 seconds quicker than its rear-wheel drive counterpart.

The eight models we’ve listed (alright, nine), prove that compromising on cylinders doesn’t mean you have to compromise on performance. It is worth noting though that these are only manufacturer claims, and that real world results may vary. It’s also worth noting that while the 0-60 mph sprints are impressive, there’s more to life than 0-60 mph.