These 13 Four-Cylinder Cars Prove There Is A Replacement For Displacement

Many years ago, performance engines were large-capacity V8s or V12s, and the more cylinders and cubic inches they had, the more desirable they were.

Large displacement engines are now a dying breed and are commonly replaced by smaller four-cylinder units with turbos and/or some electric help.

While we love a rumbling V8 or screaming V12 as much as the next gearhead, we also appreciate these smaller four-bangers that produce as much power and use much less fuel.

Honda S2000

Honda shocked the automotive world when it unveiled the S2000 in 1999! An affordable open-top sports car with the highest specific power output for a naturally aspirated engine was a dream come true for many enthusiasts.

Early models had a 2.0-liter engine that needed to be revved all the way to the redline, but Honda addressed some of its shortcomings by increasing the volume to 2.2 liters in later models, but power remained around the 240 mark. S2000 prices have skyrocketed in recent years, so finding a good one for sensible money is nigh-on impossible.

Honda Civic Type R

While all generations of the Civic Type R have high-revving four-cylinder units that punch far above their weight, the latest and current version is exceptional.

It has a turbocharged 2.0-liter VTEC engine that produces 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. To further sweeten the deal, Honda made the new CTR more responsive than its predecessor and even gave it a higher power-to-weight ratio.

Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance

People expect the C 63 AMG Merc to pack a massive V8 engine, but that’s no longer the case. For the newest C 63, Mercedes-AMG chose to forego both the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 and the turbocharged 4.0-liter in favor of a 2.0-liter.

The 2.0-liter found under the hood of the C 63 S E Performance is no slouch, though. It pumps out 469 hp and 402 lb-ft of torque, and it’s mated to an electric motor that generates another 201 hp. Combined, that sends the C 63 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 155 mph (174 without restrictions).

Ford Focus RS

Ford didn’t release the Focus RS on the American market until it was in its third generation, but when it finally arrived, it was packing some heat in the form of a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine.

With 350 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, an aggressive suspension setup, and a Drift Mode, the Focus RS is a proper beast and a source of joy for driving enthusiasts.

Lotus Emira I4

In recent years, Lotus has famously used supercharged Toyota V6 engines, but now they also offer the Emira with the excellent Mercedes-AMG M139 2.0-liter engine.

This isn’t the first time Lotus has used a four-banger to power its sports cars, as the Esprit, Elise, Elan, etc., were all available with four cylinders. However, with 360 hp, the new Emira is the most powerful four-cylinder Lotus ever. It may be down 40 hp compared to the V6 version, but it’s just one-tenth slower to 60 mph.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X FQ400

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was produced from 1992 until 2016, spanning 10 generations. The FQ400 was only available in the UK and may just be the ultimate version of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

Under the hood, its 2.0-liter engine received a larger Garret turbocharger, forged internals, high-flow injectors and fuel pump, a new exhaust manifold, and a remapped ECU. All this resulted in 403 hp and a 3.8-second 0 to 60 mph sprint, while top speed was limited to 155 mph. Not many FQ400 Evos were sold, as they cost nearly three times what you’d pay for a standard Evo.

Porsche 718 Cayman GTS

When Porsche revealed that the 718 Cayman and Boxster would get a turbocharged flat-four rather than the classic flat-six, it didn’t go over well with some enthusiasts. However, many of them were quick to forgive the Stuttgart-based company when they learned about its performance.

In the 2017-2019 718 Cayman GTS, the turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer unit produces a very respectable 365 hp, making it the most powerful turbo-four Porsche. Now, the Cayman GTS has returned to a 4.0-liter six-cylinder, but the S model still uses the four-cylinder unit.

Volvo S60 T8 Polestar

Whereas most car manufacturers choose to fit either a turbocharger or a supercharger, Volvo just said “Yes, please,” and installed both on the Volvo T6’s 2.0-liter engine.

Then, when it was time to build the T8, they took things even further. It still uses the same engine as the T6, but Polestar added two electric motors as well. With 415 hp and 494 lb-ft of torque, you probably don’t want to race it if it’s lined up next to you at the traffic lights.

BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance

BMW’s flagship 7-Series is traditionally powered by large V8s, but even the Bavarians have downsized these days. The BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance has a turbocharged 2.0-liter that works alongside an electric motor, giving it a total output of 322 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

This is actually the most powerful four-cylinder engine BMW has ever used in one of its production cars. The 740e xDrive iPerformance is a large sedan, but it still sprints to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds.

Subaru WRX STI

The Subaru WRX STI has become a hit with rally fans and tuning enthusiasts alike, and with good reason. It’s a direct descendant of Subaru’s legendary Impreza rally cars, and there’s a vast selection of aftermarket parts available for those who want to build a supercar slayer.

Even in stock form, the Subaru WRX STI will put a smile on driving enthusiasts’ faces, thanks to a turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four that delivers 310 hp and 290 lb-ft. AWD and an electronically controlled center diff ensure that it sticks to the road like nothing else.

Audi S3

To the uninitiated, the Audi S3 looks pretty much the same as its tamer A3 sibling. However, once you get behind the wheel, you’ll quickly realize that the S3 is a very different beast.

Under the hood, the S3 has a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that generates 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. In true Audi fashion, power is sent to all four wheels through its performance-tuned Quattro AWD system.

Volkswagen Golf R

If you like the Audi S3 but prefer a hot hatchback or station wagon rather than a sedan, the VW Golf R is the car for you.

It has the same 2.0-liter engine as the Audi S3, but with 315 hp, and for once, the North American market gets a six-speed manual transmission while the rest of the world will have to make do with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Acura Integra Type S

While we’d love to see a two-door Integra coupe, we still appreciate that Honda/Acura brought back the nameplate without going down the SUV route. The Integra Type S sedan uses the same turbocharged 2.0-liter that’s found in the Civic Type R, but it now has 5 hp more, bringing the total to 320 hp, which is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual.

Acura is Honda’s luxury brand, so it’s slightly more luxurious than the Civic, but the Civic is the better track car.