In the world of high-performance sports cars, the unmistakable roar of a V-8 engine or the throaty growl of a V-12 often takes center stage. However, in recent years, a new breed of automotive marvels has emerged, challenging traditional notions of power and performance. Welcome to the era of “High-Performance Cars With Four-Cylinder Engines,” where the petite yet potent four-cylinder powerhouses are redefining what it means to be fast and furious on the road.

These compact engines, once seen as economical and practical choices, have undergone a remarkable transformation, packing turbocharged technology, advanced engineering, and precise tuning to deliver exhilarating acceleration, razor-sharp handling, and breathtaking top speeds. In this article, we dive deep into the world of these exceptional vehicles, exploring the engineering wizardry that makes them tick and showcasing the thrilling driving experiences they offer.

Updated November 15, 2023: We added five more models, some of which are popular performance cars, which prove four cylinders are more than capable of offering some serious performance.

The information presented in this article has been sourced from sites such as Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and Edmunds. Models in this list have been arranged based on top speed, starting with the slowest model and working our way up to the fastest model.

Related: 10 Cost-Effective Alternatives To The Mazda MX-5 Miata

15 Mazda MX-5

Top Speed: 145 MPH

Having first debuted in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show, the MX-5 was produced under a tightly focused design philosophy of “oneness of horse and rider” which meant the car had to be perfectly balanced and simple to drive so that the driver could feel one with the car and the road without any discomfort. Known widely for its light, modern yet simple design, the MX-5 is sometimes called the spiritual successor of the 60s British and Italian roadster sports cars.

Specifications

(Sourced from Automobile Catalog)

The fourth generation