High-performance cars usually have V8 and V12 engines because they are larger and more powerful. However, it is not always the case as car manufacturers achieve incredible feats with the 4-cylinder engines. Today, four-cylinder cars can offer top performance and even make it to the motorsport industry. In light of this, we have prepared you a list of the 10 fastest 4-cylinder cars.
These cars are sleek, exotic, and even sport-like. The cars are hitting top speeds, with some hitting up to a speed of 180 mph. Find a car to suit your needs from the 10 fastest 4-cylinder cars list.
- #1. 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS – 180 MPH
- #2. Porsche 718 Boxster S – 177 MPH
- #3. Honda Civic Type R – 169 MPH
- #4. Mercedes CLA45 AMG S – 168 MPH
- #5. Volkswagen Golf R – 168 MPH
- #6. Ford Focus RS – 165 MPH
- #7. Alfa Romeo 4C – 160 MPH
- #8. Subaru WRX STI – 159 MPH
- #9. Audi S3 – 155 MPH
- #10. Toyota Supra 2.0 – 155 MPH
#10Toyota Supra 2.0
Top Speed: 155 mph / 249 kmh
Last on the list is the Toyota Supra 2.0. Toyota launched the Supra back in 2019 and upgraded to a 6-cylinder Supra in 2020. However, they still retained the 4-cylinder option. It is a 2.0-liter capacity and has about 255hp.
It is 200 pounds lighter than the 2020 version, with higher acceleration. It can accelerate to 60mph within 60 seconds. Although Toyota states that the top speed is 155 mph, some online videos show that it can reach 160mph.
#9Audi S3
Top Speed: 155 mph / 249 kmh
The Audi S3 is a complete family car. It has five seats and decent boot space. If you are looking for a vehicle to help you carry out your mall shopping and make school runs at decent speeds, it is best to look for an Audi S3. However, it is not just a family car as it has 306hp and can reach 60mph within 4.6 seconds. The S3 is a four-wheel drive with superb handling allowing it to take corners effortlessly. It has a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 296hp.
#8Subaru WRX STI
Top Speed: 159 mph / 256 kmh
The car's design and make screams speed and high-performance. Immediately you are behind the wheel; you can feel its eagerness to hit the road at high speeds. It reflects the Subaru's World Championship rally cars as it has a turbocharged engine and delivers 310hp and 290 lb-ft of torque.
It has a 6-speed manual transmission making it more enjoyable to drive. It has a top-notch acceleration, hitting up to speeds of 60 mph as quickly as within 4.6 seconds. Its top speed is 159 mph.
#7Alfa Romeo 4C
Top Speed: 160 mph / 257 kmh
The Alfa Romeo 4C is any driver's dream as it is one of the best 4-cylinder cars you will get on the market. It has 240 hp allowing it to reach top speeds of 160mph. The 4-cylinder engine is 1742cc turbocharged and has a six-speed automatic transmission hence has smooth shifting. Its 2.3-liter engine puts out 350 hp and 350 lb-ft torque, and it can sprint to 62 mph within 4.7 seconds. If you love sleek, fast, and sport dynamic cars, get the Alfa Romeo 4C.
#6Ford Focus RS
Top Speed: 165 mph / 266 kmh
The Ford Focus RS is another top-performing 4-engine car reaching a top speed of 165 mph. It has a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine delivering 350 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Its acceleration is incredible as it can make 60 mph from 0 mph within 4.7 seconds.
#5Volkswagen Golf R
Top Speed: 168 mph / 270 kmh
A newer version of the Volkswagen Golf R hitting showrooms with a top speed of 168 mph instead of the standard 155 mph. The Golf R is an all-wheel drive with a 2-0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 315 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
It hits up to the speed of 60 mph within 4.9 seconds. For this version, you have the option of choosing whether you want either the 6-speed manual or the 7-speed dual-clutch box. Note that the latter is quicker than the former.
#4Mercedes CLA45 AMG S
Top Speed: 168 mph / 270 kmh
A list of top-performance cars is never complete without at least one Mercedes car. For this list, we have the incredible CLA45 AMG S. A Biturbo 2.0 4-cylinder engine powers the machine allowing it to put out 416 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. The engine enables it to reach an incredible speed of 168mph. Despite being a sedan car, it can make sports cars look slow. The Mercedes can skip to 62 mph within only 4.1 seconds if equipped with the optional AMG Driver's package.
#3Honda Civic Type R
Top Speed: 169 mph / 272 kmh
The Honda Civic Type R does not resemble its performance as it does not look sports-like. However, it tops most of the other 4-cylinder engine cars in the market. It has 306 hp, and it is a two-wheel drive. Unfortunately, being a two-wheel drive, it has a slower but decent acceleration. It can move from 0-60 within 5.5 seconds. But after it is at 60, it accelerates at the same level as a V8 up to 169 mph. Despite being two-wheel, it has excellent handling and is a great corner carver.
#2Porsche 718 Boxster S
Top Speed: 177 mph / 285 kmh
The Porsche 718 Boxter S carries some similarities with the Cayman GTS. They both are made sports-like despite having a 4-cylinder engine. It has sport edges and formal contours, making it sleeker. Its engine delivers 350 hp, and it can move from 0-60 in as low as 4.4s. It has a top track speed of 177 mph, making it one of the fastest 4-cylinder cars you will find in the market. Although the top speeds differ, the Porsche 718 Boxter S offers the same experience as the 2018 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS.
#12018 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS
Top Speed: 180 mph / 290 kmh
Many manufacturers are envious of the 718 Cayman GTS due to its incredible feats. It is a 2.5-liter engine car delivering 350 hp and 309 lb-ft of torque. It has an astonishing acceleration allowing it to hit from 0-60 within 4.4 seconds.
Also, it has a top speed of 180mph which is insane for a small car. Even when going at high speeds, the vehicle is quite balanced, making it a joy to ride. Its mid-engine RWD set-up allows the car to navigate corners at top speed. It is a perfect sports car that won’t disappoint you.
The Bottom Line
The 4-cylinder cars are topping charts in terms of performance. In the recent past, the vehicles only offered low gas mileage. With technology, engineers have developed better ways to make them faster and ensure that these cars provide top-level performance. People are falling in love with these cars, and there is a large cult behind the 4-cylinder cars. Choose your treat from this list of the 10 fastest 4-cylinder cars.
Keyword: 10 Fastest 4-Cylinder Cars: Ranked by Top Speed