10 Fastest 4-Cylinder Cars Under $40,000

2016 BMW 228i ・ Photo by BMW

The fastest 4-cylinder cars have caught up to their V-6 and, in some cases, V-8 rivals when it comes to all-out performance. You can blame the popularity of turbocharging and the age of lightweight vehicle design for this sudden burst of speed from 4-cylinder cars, along with a desire to better balance sporty driving with overall fuel efficiency. Whatever the reasons, there's no doubt that the ultimate winners are the buyers seeking the best blend of acceleration, handling, and affordability. Let's take a quick look at the 10 fastest 4-cylinder cars under $40,000.

1) 2016 Ford Focus RS

The 2016 Ford Focus RS is about as mean as it gets when seeking out a hot hatch. The Ford Focus RS builds on the template set by the Focus ST - turbocharged EcoBoost power, high-strung suspension system - but adds the wrinkle of standard all-wheel drive. It also dramatically ups the power compared to the ST, squeezing 350 horses and 350 lb-ft of torque from its 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, which is enough to send it to 60 mph in a startling 4.7 seconds. A six-speed manual is the only gearbox available with the Ford Focus RS.

Photo by Ford

2) 2016 Volkswagen Golf R

The 2016 Volkswagen Golf R can be thought of as the Focus RS' more genteel counterpart. Although the formula is similar - compact hatchback, turbo 4-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive - the implementation is just a little bit softer, with the availability of a dual-clutch automated manual transmission to balance out its also-offered six-speed manual gearbox, and a suspension system that is more grand touring than track-day warrior. Still, with 292 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of twist on tap, the Golf R counts itself as one of the fastest 4-cylinder cars under $40,000, with launch control placing 60 mph within reach in the space of 4.5 seconds.

Photo by Volkswagen of America

3) 2016 Subaru WRX STI

The 2016 Subaru WRX STI is the undisputed showroom stock champion for those seeking an affordable, balanced, and lightning-quick track car. The Subaru WRX STI boasts 305 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque, which when matched with its standard all-wheel drive system, helps it hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. More importantly, however, the WRX STI's driver-controlled center differential allows pilots to dial-in torque balance front and rear as. A six-speed manual is the only transmission available with the STI.

4) 2016 Ford Fiesta ST

The 2016 Ford Fiesta ST might not be one the fastest 4-cylinder cars in a straight line, but its low mass design and well-tuned suspension system make it a menace on an autocross course. 197 horsepower from a 1.6-liter turbocharged EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine is no joke, of course, and neither is the requirement that you order the car with a six-speed manual transmission. Off the line the Ford Fiesta ST zips to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, and it boasts a top speed of 143 mph. An added bonus: you can order the hatchback with Recaro sport seats to help stay supported through your afternoon cone slalom.

Photo by Ford

5) 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution represents the final version of one of the fastest 4-cylinder cars of all time. Bred from rally roots, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution offers all-wheel drive, a 2.0-liter turbocharged motor, and the choice between either a five-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. 291 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque ensure swift performance (the Lancer Evolution can hit 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds), and it also offers a level of poise through the corners seldom seen at its price point.

6) 2016 Chevrolet Camaro

The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro brings turbocharged 4-cylinder power to the table for the first time in the history of GM's premier muscle car.  Offered in both convertible and coupe editions, the Chevrolet Camaro 2.0L Turbo generates 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque from its 4-cylinder motor, and given that the car is lighter after its most recent redesign, this translates into 5.4 seconds on the sprint to 60 mph (when equipped with its six-speed manual transmission - the autobox is a tick slower). Chevrolet claims that the new turbo in the Camaro offers better performance than the 8-cylinder SS model from the early '90s - an astonishing indication of just how far 4-cylinder cars have come.

7) 2016 BMW 228i

The 2016 BMW 228i isn't just the most affordable entry point into the German automaker's line-up, but it also happens to be respectably quick. Credit goes to the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that sits under the BMW 228i's hood, where it produces 240 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque - numbers that would have trumped BMW's hottest 3 Series variant, the M3, back in the 1990s. A six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission calls the shots in the 228i, and 60 mph arrives in 4.9 seconds with the engine on full boil.

8) 2016 Ford Mustang EcoBoost

The 2016 Ford Mustang EcoBoost goes toe-to-toe with the Camaro's turbo and doesn't come off too bad in the process.  The 2.3-liter mill offered by the original pony car provides 310 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, but because of its extra girth it's only a little quicker to 60 mph (5.2 seconds). That number is obtainable with the six-speed automatic transmission installed, as the manual's shorter gearing requires an extra shift that saps some of its speed. A Performance pack is also available with the car to upgrade its wheels, tires, and brakes for improved on-track performance.

Photo by Ford

9) 2016 Subaru BRZ

The 2016 Subaru BRZ presents an intriguing combination of handling, style, and speed to performance enthusiasts. Its 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is one of the least robust on this list - especially when taking into account its 151 lb-ft of torque - but its rear-wheel drive chassis offers near-perfect balance. Slipping behind the wheel of the Subaru BRZ and grabbing the shift knob on its six-speed manual gearbox (an automatic is also offered) is an invitation to carve two-lane roads or wind out its 4-cylinder motor on a tight race track. The BRZ was designed not to impress with smoky burnouts or quarter mile times, but instead make a more soulful connection with the driver.

Photo by Subaru

10) 2016 Audi A3

The 2016 Audi A3 isn't marketed as a performance vehicle, but equip it with its top-tier 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and you'll be able to hang with the Mustangs and Camaros on this list of the fastest 4-cylinder cars. The Audi A3 produces 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque from its 4-cylinder engine, and this output is sent to all four wheels via a six-speed automated manual transmission. 60 mph is attainable in 5.4 seconds, and the A3's excellent all-wheel quattro grip gives it a handling edge to go with its not inconsiderable luxury.

Photo by Audi Media Services