10 Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Cars With Way Too Much Power – Top Speed

Automakers used to stuff large V8 and V6 engines into their sports cars to give them the most power possible, but times are changing. Nowadays, most cars are powered by four-cylinder engines forced-fed by turbochargers to make a significant amount of power without sacrificing fuel economy.

These engines produce 200 to 400 horsepower and more torque than most naturally aspirated engines with twice the cylinders can make. What makes these little four-cylinder engines even better is that they are lighter than their six- and eight-cylinder counterparts, which leads to better handling characteristics and agility for tight roads. They are also cheaper to produce, which is why four-cylinder engines are so prevalent in today’s market. Here are 10 cars that are motivated by turbocharged four-cylinder engines that produce a lot of power.

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10

2025 Subaru WRX

Horsepower Rating: 271

The Subaru WRX has always been a road-legal rally car at heart, and for 2025, it gets a little closer to its roots. Subaru released the new WRX tS model, which is short for “tuned by STI,” so it comes equipped with a reworked suspension, adaptive dampers, and upgraded Brembo brakes.

Performance Specifications

And while you might think that it has more power than the standard-issue WRX, it doesn’t. Every Subaru WRX trim level is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter that pushes 271 horsepower out to all four wheels. It’s also matched to a six-speed manual transmission, but the non-tS models have the option of a CVT. Of course, if you want the most driving enjoyment, the manual version is the only way to go.

Pros

• Standard manual transmission
• All-wheel drive
• Very fun to drive

Cons

• Not as visceral as past generations
• Quiet for a sports sedan
• Not fuel-efficient

9

2025 Hyundai Elantra N

Horsepower Rating: 276

If you like sports sedans like the Honda Civic Si and the Subaru WRX, but want something unique, the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N could be the answer. The Elantra N is the most fun trim level to drive because it’s powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 286 horsepower, up from 147 in the standard trim.

Performance Specifications

The power is sent through the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, but driving enthusiasts will be happy to know that a six-speed manual transmission is an option as well. Either way, the Hyundai Elantra N is a very high-performance sedan that’s worth considering if you’re looking for something different.

Pros

• Potent powertrain
• Agile handling
• Sporty-sounding exhaust

Cons

• Plastic-filled interior
• Polarizing exterior look
• No adaptive cruise control feature

8

2025 Porsche 718 Cayman

Horsepower Rating: 300

There are a few different 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman models to choose from, but the car is still amazing in its base form. The entry-level trim level comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four engine that pumps out 300 horsepower, which is impressive given the car’s low curb weight.

Performance Specifications

However, if more power is desired, the Cayman S and GTS 4.0 models come with 350 and 394 horsepower, respectively. However, no matter which trim level is selected, the Porsche Cayman is sure to provide plenty of driving engagement with its standard six-speed manual transmission, but it’s fun even when equipped with the seven-speed PDK.

Pros

• Very fun to drive
• Turbocharged engine
• Manual transmission

Cons

• Small cabin space
• Expensive starting price
• Tight cargo space

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7

2025 BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe

Horsepower Rating: 312

If you like the BMW 2 Series coupe but wish it were a little more practical, the M235 Gran Coupe is what you seek. The Gran Coupe comes equipped with four doors and a slightly larger back seat area. Don’t worry, it’s still a very good performer like its coupe counterpart.

Performance Specifications

Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that pumps out a whopping 312 horsepower to all four wheels, which is enough to get the car moving up to highway speeds very quickly. With a combination of performance and practicality, the BMW M235 Gran Coupe is an excellent choice for those wanting a fun small car to drive, but who need a little more seating room.

Pros

• Strong turbocharged engine
• All-wheel drive
• Practical body style

Cons

• Polarizing design
• Fuel economy could be better
• No manual transmission

6

2025 Honda Civic Type R

Horsepower Rating: 315

The Honda Civic Type R arrived stateside in 2017 and, since then, it has continued to be one of the most coveted sport compacts on the market. What makes it so desirable is its aggressive styling, adaptive suspension, and, of course, its potent turbocharged engine.

Performance Specifications

The Civic Type R produces an impressive 315 horsepower, which allows it to outperform rivals like the Hyundai Elantra N. Additionally, this high-performance Civic is very practical with its four doors and rear seat area that’s large enough for two adults. Considering all of its attributes, it’s no wonder the Civic Type R is so popular.

Pros

• Excellent cornering ability
• Powerful turbocharged engine
• Four-door practicality

Cons

• Loud cabin
• Fuel range could be better
• Not all-wheel-drive

5

2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost

Horsepower Rating: 315

If they had the choice, most enthusiasts would pick the Ford Mustang GT over the EcoBoost model for its raucous V8 engine. However, there is something to be said about the entry-level model, considering it comes equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder that produces an impressive 315 horsepower, while returning 26 combined MPG.

Performance Specifications

It may not be as powerful as the V8, but the force-fed four-cylinder can propel the car up to 60 mph in less than five seconds, which is quick enough for most drivers. Additionally, the Mustang EcoBoost comes with plenty of creature comforts, making it a fast and fun daily commuter.

Pros

• Fun daily commuter
• Powerful turbocharged engine
• Manual transmission available

Cons

• Automatic transmission shifts slowly
• Small rear seat

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4

2025 Acura Integra Type S

Horsepower Rating: 320

If you like the Honda Civic Type R, but wish it were a little more grown up, then the Acura Integra Type S is worth a look. The Integra Type S has the same turbocharged engine, six-speed manual transmission, and limited-slip differential, which aids in putting the power on the pavement.

Performance Specifications

As an added plus, the performance-oriented Integra produces five more horsepower than its Honda counterpart and comes equipped with more comfort features. Some of them include power-adjustable seats, heated front seats, and an optional heated steering wheel.

Pros

• Potent turbocharged engine
• Slick manual transmission
• Aggressive exterior look

Cons

• No all-wheel-drive
• Lots of road noise
• High entry price

3

2025 Audi S3

Horsepower Rating: 328

The 2025 Audi S3 is like the Goldilocks trim level in the A3 lineup. It slots between the entry-level A3 model and the race-ready RS3 in terms of power and performance. For 2025, the S3 was imbued with more power out of its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, which pumps its number up to 328 horsepower.

Performance Specifications

Unfortunately, it’s not available with a manual transmission, but the S3’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts quicker than a human can and smoothly at that. Additionally, the S3’s handling prowess makes it fun to drive, whether you’re tearing up a canyon road or slogging through commuter traffic.

Pros

• Potent turbocharged engine
• All-wheel drive
• Quick acceleration

Cons

• Tight trunk space
• Lots of road noise
• Not as powerful as the RS3

2

2025 Volkswagen Golf R

Horsepower Rating: 328

If the Audi S3 isn’t your taste, and you want a hatchback, the Volkswagen Golf R is worth checking out. The Golf R is powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 328 horsepower and, interestingly, 310 pound-feet of torque, which is more than what the S3 puts out.

Performance Specifications

Like the S3, the Golf R does not come with a manual transmission, but it does have an all-wheel drivetrain, which helps put its power on the ground. The main difference between the two cars, though, is the Golf R’s four-door hatchback architecture, which some may find better for their daily commuting duties.

Pros

• All-wheel drive
• Turbocharged engine
• Quick acceleration

Cons

• No manual transmission
• High entry price

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1

2025 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S Coupe

Horsepower Rating: 416

The Mercedes-Benz CLA Class is one of the least expensive models in the German automaker’s lineup, but if you choose the up-level AMG CLA 45, that is no longer the case. The sporty model comes with a higher price tag than its entry-level counterpart, but its performance output is worth the extra coin.

Performance Specifications

Under its hood is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 416 horsepower, which is enough to get the car up to 60 mph in less than five seconds. However, that performance is not only due to its horsepower rating, as the CLA has an all-wheel-drive system that helps it get lots of traction when the throttle is pushed to the floor.

Pros

• Powerful turbocharged engine
• Sharp handling
• Sporty looks

Cons

• Tight rear seat space
• High price of entry
• Small cargo space