Tech & Auto
10 Of The Greatest Four-Cylinder Sports Cars Ever Built
By IVO GIEVSKI
Porsche 718
The flat-four 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster Porsche variants lack the iconic sound of the six-cylinder predecessors but can still go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds.
Balanced handling, sharp and direct steering, and a very playful chassis make Porsche's mid-engine cars the top pick among driving enthusiasts.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
A four-cylinder MX-5 Miata is great for having fun on a twisty road. It has a responsive engine, brilliantly balanced chassis, and quick yet communicative steering.
The 2023 MX-5 Miata weighs only 2,345 pounds, and if you work that manual swiftly, you'll reach 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds — not bad for an open-top RWD sports car under $30,000.
GR86 / BRZ
These cars have 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated boxer engines that can run 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds, and the six-speed manual feels precise and mechanical.
The flat-four engines are behind the front axle for better weight distribution, making the GR86 and BRZ sharp cornering tools that start at just around $30,000.
Alpine A110
The S and R versions of this tiny French machine pack a small 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbo, a 0-62 mph acceleration run of just 3.9 seconds, and a top speed of 177 mph.
The seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox is blazingly fast but not as engaging as a stick shift. Otherwise, the A110 is a very balanced and enjoyable sports car.
Alfa Romeo 4C
This vehicle looks and feels like an exotic supercar. The 1.75-liter four-cylinder turbo can make a 0-62 mph sprint in just 4.5 seconds thanks to the car’s low weight.
With a mid-engine RWD layout, the 4C is light, balanced, and very stiff, resulting in go-kart handling and telepathic steering response — great for enjoying a twisty road.