In the fast-paced world of modern automobiles, four-cylinder engines reign supreme, with more than half of all new cars boasting these powerhouses. Wondering what sets the best apart from the rest? Let’s rev into it!
10- Best: BMW 2.0-Liter I4 (B48)
BMW’s 2.0-liter inline-four engine is used in various vehicles, including the Mini Hatch JCW and its GP version (both seen above) and the Toyota Supra 2.0. In addition to BMW-branded cars such as the 2 Series and Z4,
It’s a fantastic engine that can be modified to deliver a lot of turbocharged power in cars like the 306-hp GP. It can even sound amazing with the proper exhaust setup. All of this is possible with the BMW B48 engine, which also gets good gas mileage.
9- Worst: Subaru 2.5-Liter F4 (EJ257)
The 2.5-liter flat-four in the WRX STI isn’t a bad engine; in reality, it suits the car’s personality very well. The 310-hp engine is eager to run and sounds great. However, it has some drawbacks from an analytical perspective.
First and foremost, the 2.5-liter engine was first used in the 2004 Impreza WRX STI. It still has some delay, which is most definitely due to its age and turbocharged configuration. Furthermore, it loses power at low revs, which many other turbocharged four-cylinders excel at.
8- Best: Ford 2.3-Liter I4 (EcoBoost)
Ford’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four is well known for powering the Ford Focus RS, but as that car won’t be available (new) in 2021, the EcoBoost Mustang is your best option.
This Mustang’s engine, seen above in High-Performance Package shape, produces an incredible 330 hp and plenty of torque: 350 lb-ft to be precise. It’s a powerful, charismatic motor that’s built for speed.
7- Worst: Abarth 1.4-Liter I4 (MultiAir)
The Abarth 124 Spider’s engine has a few main advantages. It’s turbocharged, for example, and can produce a respectable 184 lb-ft of torque low down in the rev range, making the small convertible feel somewhat fast.
However, with 168 hp, it isn’t particularly fast. It also loses punch when revving at high speeds. That’s what you expect in a Miata-rivaling sports car, and the 124 Spider’s compact 1.4-liter four-cylinder can’t offer.
6- Best: Mercedes-AMG 2.0-Liter I4 (M139)
With 416 hp, Mercedes-2.0-liter AMG’s inline-four (M139) is the most powerful four-cylinder on the market at the time of writing. This capability is available in vehicles such as the A 45 S, CLA 45 S, and CLA 45 S Shooting Brake.
The S variations aren’t available in the United States, so you’re stuck with the regular 382-hp ones. Having said that, 382 hp is still plenty of power for a four-cylinder engine. This engine is extremely powerful, punchy, and fuel-efficient.
5- Worst: Subaru 2.0-Liter F4 (FA20)
The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 are both excellent sports cars. They’re exciting to drive, inexpensive, and a lot of fun. Their similar 2.0-liter flat-four engines have enough power and are naturally aspirated, which means the cars sound fantastic at high rpm.
However, this flat-four isn’t without flaws. The biggest problem with the motor is its notorious torque drop between 3,500 and 4,500 rpm – a critical aspect of the rev range. It’s very obvious when speeding indicates that there isn’t a pretty decent amount of performance available.
4- Best: Cadillac 2.7-Liter I4 (L3B)
The 2.7-liter inline-four engine from General Motors is a great engine. It’s a newer engine that can be found in the Chevrolet Silverado, but it’s perhaps best known for its appearance in Cadillac’s small luxury sedan, the CT4-V. (pictured above).
It generates a good 325 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque in this application. The engine is turbocharged and delivers a lot of power while still producing a great sound. We definitely hope to see it used in more vehicles in the future.
3- Worst: Porsche 2.0-Liter F4 (MA2.20)
Yes, we know that criticizing the base Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman’s engine has been done several times, mostly because it replaced the previous car’s fantastic range of flat-six engines, but it’s always worth a brief mention.
The 2.0-liter engine performs admirably, delivering 300 hp and a pleasant four-cylinder soundtrack. However, it isn’t a particularly powerful engine, and it sounds a little lackluster as opposed to its six-cylinder predecessors.
2- Best: Honda 2.0-Liter I4 (K20C1)
Honda’s Civic Type R engine, which is available in both current and previous-generation versions, blends the best of old and modern. The 2.0-liter inline-four engine features Honda’s famous VTEC variable valve timing, allowing it to surge happily to its redline; however, it also receives a turbocharger for low-end torque and performance.
As a result, the engine is incredibly well-rounded, with an intoxicating gas pedal. With 306 horsepower in the new Type R, it’s quick and fun to plant your right foot and see and feel the revs rise.
1- Worst: Chevrolet 1.5-Liter I4 (LYX)
The Chevrolet Equinox is a well-liked compact SUV that comes with some excellent engines. Its base 1.5-liter inline-four engine, with 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, isn’t one of them.
The engine, which is also available in the GMC Terrain, is not powerful enough for the vehicles in which it is used. It seems sluggish in its applications – it should be capable of effortless output like rival engines, but it just falls short.
