10 Fast Sports Cars With Relatively Small Engines (2024)

Back in the day, high performance most likely alluded to high displacement. But as technology progressed and emission regulations got tighter, engine downsizing became a more prominent trend that manufacturers started preferring. This practice involves using a smaller engine over a bigger one, but having the smaller engine achieves the same power output as the bigger counterpart.

As a result of downsizing, many manufacturers will turn to forced induction and direct fuel injection to make up for the smaller displacement. These factors help an engine be more efficient while being more powerful. Smaller engines are almost always lighter, therefore requiring less energy to move or accelerate at a certain rate. A smaller engine with fewer cylinders also has less overall friction than a bigger engine with more cylinders, making it even more efficient. These are just a few advantages of having a smaller engine.

10 2024 Mazda Miata

Power Output: 181 HP

After more than three decades and four generations, the latest 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata is preparing for a 2025 revamp, affecting both the interior and exterior. Luckily though, Mazda is keeping the Miata lightweight with good handling.

The Mazda Miata is historically known to make use of smaller, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines, all to keep weight down. The current 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine produces just over 180 horsepower, which is sent through either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels only.

Performance Specifications

9 2024 Toyota GR86

Power Output: 228 HP

The Toyota GR86 brought an affordable and sporty driving experience to the market back in 2012. Unlike some of the entries on this list, the GR86 does not boast a lot of power but instead overwhelms the driver with sharp and spirited driving dynamics.

The second-gen models bring a 228 horsepower 2.4-liter flat-four engine to the table. The GR86 can also come with RWD and manual transmission, staying true to its ethos.

Performance Specifications

8 2014–2020 Alfa Romeo 4C

Power Output: 240 HP

Coming from a manufacturer known for its sports cars, the 4C is a mid-engine sports car that made its debut overseas over a decade ago at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, and came Stateside in 2014. Initially, Alfa Romeo only released the 4C as a coupe, but the production expanded to accommodate a second body style, the spider we know and love today. The "4" in the name comes from the inline-four engine configuration.

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At the back of the 4C lies a 1.75-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder, meticulously crafted with weight-saving in mind. Although relatively small, this engine is capable of delivering 240 horsepower, allowing the 4C to reach a top speed of 160 MPH. This iconic machine recorded an almost sub-eight-minute lap on the Nürburgring circuit, an amazing feat.

Performance Specifications

7 2024 Hyundai Elantra N

Power Output: 286 HP

The Hyundai Elantra N, similar to other entries on this list, was released in 2023, introducing a new sports car platform from the Japanese giant. The Elantra model, however, was released back in 2021 and has since built a reputation for being a fun and punchy vehicle to drive, despite being FWD.

The Elantra N-line brings more power and life into the lineup through its agility and even aggressive styling. Under the hood lies a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces a respectable 289 horsepower.

Performance Specifications

6 2024 Toyota GR Yaris

Power Output: 300 HP

The GR Yaris never hit the U.S. market, even though we hoped it would. Boasting its one-of-a-kind three-cylinder engines. The GR Yaris was created by Toyotas Gazoo Racing Division. The two companies intended to create a road-going vehicle that could be hom*ologated for the World Rally Championship. Initially, Toyota only created 2,500 units of the Yaris, but later claimed that this figure rose to 25,000 due to high demand.

To meet the hom*ologation requirements, Toyota had to tune the engine of the Yaris to operate between 1.4 to 1.8 bar of pressure. The 2024 GR Yaris is capable of a maximum power output of 300 horsepower. This enables the GR Yaris to have one of the most powerful three-cylinder engines ever produced.

Performance Specifications

5 2024 Honda Type R

Power Output: 310 HP

After receiving a re-design back in 2023, the Honda Civic Type R is back into the hot hatchback segment. While rivals like the Golf GTI and Toyota GR Corolla offer strong opposition, the history of the Type R allows it to have that extra edge.

Along with last year's re-design, the Type R also received a well-deserved power boost, now making 315 horsepower from its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. If you suffer from choice paralysis, then choosing a Type R will not be hard as Honda only offers one trim for the model.

Performance Specifications

4 2024 Golf R

Power Output: 315 HP

After a two-year gap, the Golf R returned to the market in 2022, bringing in an upgraded version of the already potent 2.0-liter engine. The eighth generation Golf R also features a torque vectoring all-wheel-drive system and a choice of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

The 2.0-liter inline-four engine is capable of outputting an impressive 315 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The Golf R is a modern, and yet, old-school hot hatch that ticks every box.

Performance Specifications

3 2024 Lotus Emira

Power Output: 360 HP

While sports cars are under serious threat from EVs, Lotus ensures that its Emira goes down swinging. The British sportscar manufacturer has recently launched the second engine option for the Emira, a new sporty four-cylinder. The Emira marks the last I.C.E. car under the manufacturer, but we think that Lotus got its last internal combustion engine car perfectly.

Lotus offers two engine options for the Emira sports car: a 3.5-liter Toyota-derived supercharged V-6 that produces 400 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. But the engine we are interested in is the one Lotus recently uncovered. The new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that boasts 360 horsepower. If these stats sound familiar, it's because the engine is sourced by Mercedes' AMG division.

Performance Specifications

2 2024 Audi RS3

Power Output: 401 HP

Audi's RS3 is the only car left that has all the elements that made the famous '80s Audi Quattro the legend it was, namely the turbocharged five-cylinder engine and Quattro all-wheel drive system. The RS3 first arrived in the States back in 2017, stunning the market with its small yet potent 400-horsepower engine. Audi has been revising the RS3 almost yearly, to keep the performance sedan as competitive as possible.

The RS3 now boasts a 2.5-liter inline-five cylinder engine that produces 401 horsepower. Even though the AWD is front-biased, Audi compensates for this with a Torque Rear mode that shifts power only through the rear wheels if so desired. A seven-speed dual-clutch is standard.

Performance Specifications

1 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA45

Power Output: 416 HP

The AMG tuning arm from Mercedes is well-known for its crazy sports sedans. Just because the AMG CLA45 features the smallest engine out of them, that does not mean the CLA-Class is not worthy of attention. Being the most expensive CLA model, the CLA45s brings the heat up even more with its crazy engine.

The in-house 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces an eye-watering 416 horsepower and 369-pound feet of torque. The CLA45 also comes with Mercedes' 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system, making the coupe a perfect choice for sports car enthusiasts.

Performance Specifications