13 Little Cars With Huge Engines Under The Hood
Whoever said that big things sometimes come in small packages may have been referring to the unlikely powerhouses of the road, the unique breed of small cars that defy expectations with their big hearts. Gone are the days when tiny hatchbacks and pint-sized coupes automatically suggest small engines focusing on fuel efficiency at the expense of performance.
High-performance models like the Golf R333 and Toyota GR Yaris are just some of the small cars that helped change that logic. For a long time, automakers have connived with enthusiasts and performance freaks to shove punchy, high-performance engines into the small, unsuspecting chassis of compact cars.
Marrying lighter, compact cars to robust power mills results in surprising performance and a thrilling driving experience. These 13 small cars pack a punch that belies their size.
Mini John Cooper Works GP
- Engine: 2.0-Liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 301 HP
The Cooper Works GP got heavier with every generation, and the heaviest it’s ever been is the 3rd-gen 2020 model, weighing less than 3,000 lbs. It sits on a 98.2-inch wheelbase and measures just 152.5 inches long, 69.5 inches wide, and 56.3 inches tall, yet this little Cooper hides a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing around 301 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque.
It’s the high-performance variant of the Mini lineup produced across three generations spanning 2006 to 2020. The “GP” in its name indicates it’s the most powerful and exclusive Mini. Just 2,000 units were made in its first generation (R53), another 2,000 in the second generation (R56), and 3,000 in the third generation (F56).
Abarth 595 Competizione
- Engine: 1.4-Liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 180 HP
The 595 Competizione is a high-performance variant of the tiny Fiat 500. It features the 1.4-liter T-Jet turbocharged engine, which produces 180 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The engine delivers power to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual or an optional 5-speed automated manual gearbox.
Thanks to its exceptional 154.5 hp/ton power-to-weight ratio, the 595 Competizione is quick enough to make 60 mph in approximately 6.7 seconds, reaching a top speed of around 140 mph. One of the car’s finest features is its Record Monza exhaust system that delivers a soundtrack Abarth fans will quickly recognize from afar.
Ford Fiesta ST
- Engine: 1.5-liter EcoBoost Turbocharged 3-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 197 HP
The ST is the Ford Fiesta’s high-performance variant, equipped with the Blue Oval’s 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing an impressive 197 hp and 214 lb-ft of torque.
Ford pairs this engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox to enhance the connection between man and machine. Weighing approximately 2,700 lbs, the ST can accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds and reach a top speed of around 144 mph.
Volkswagen Polo GTI
- Engine: 2.0-Liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 200 HP
The GTI is the world-famous Volkswagen Polo’s performance-oriented model, equipped with a 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 200 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Volkswagen paired the engine with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG), a sport-tuned suspension that lowers the ride height, and larger disc brakes for reliable stopping power.
The GTI can accelerate to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of around 147 mph. One of the GTI’s finest features is its extended electronic differential lock (XDS), which is designed for optimum traction and minimal understeering.
Honda Civic Type R
- Engine: 2.0-Liter VTEC Turbocharged 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 300 HP
The Civic may not pass for a typical “little car,” but it deserves a number on this list due to its compact design and robust 306-hp 2.0-liter VTEC turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 295 lb-ft of torque.
While the standard Civic is a 5-seat compact car celebrated for its daily driving utility, the Type R is the gearhead’s variant, complete with a 6-speed manual shifter featuring rev-matching technology. It can race to 60 mph in 5 seconds and a top speed of approximately 169 mph.
Toyota GR Yaris
- Engine: 1.6-Liter Turbocharged 3-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 257 HP
Unlike the regular Yaris, the GR Yaris benefits from rally-inspired technology, including a lightweight yet rigid chassis, a performance-oriented suspension system, large ventilated brake discs with four-piston calipers, an advanced all-wheel-drive system with adjustable torque distribution, and aero-optimized cosmetic features such as a wide front grille, side air vents, and a sculpted rear spoiler.
Its motivation comes from a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 257 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque.
BMW M2
- Engine: 3.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Six
- Horsepower: 405 HP
It may not fit the typical description of a “little car,” but the BMW M2 is a track-oriented M car that combines compact dimensions with assertive performance. The compact sports coupe has a glorious 405-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine producing 406 lb-ft of torque.
You could pair the engine with a 6-speed manual shifter or an 8-speed automatic. When equipped with the M Driver’s Package, it can sprint from rest to 60 mph in about 4.0 seconds and achieve a top speed of 174 mph.
Audi S1
- Engine: 2.0-Liter TFSI Turbocharged 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 231 HP
The S1 is a little hatchback with a mighty heart. As the Audi A1’s high-performance vehicle, the S1 benefits from the marque’s 231-hp 2.0-liter TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 273 lb-ft of torque. Audi withdrew the S1 from production in 2018, but the car remains popular among driving enthusiasts.
It uses a 6-speed manual transmission and can accelerate to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, reaching a top speed of around 155 mph. Naturally, the S1 features Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, along with selectable drive modes and a sport-tuned suspension.
Chevrolet Camaro Turbo 1LE
- Engine: 2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-4
- Horsepower: 275 HP
The Camaro Turbo 1LE is only “little” by classification. It’s a ‘more-performance’ variant of the Camaro compact muscle car, with the blessing of a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 275 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
Chevy tied the engine to a 6-speed manual shifter to enhance the driving engagement. The 1LE is a track-oriented package that unboxes an assemblage of power and handling features at an accessible price point.
Hyundai i30 N
- Engine: 2.0-Liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 275 HP
The N is a sportier, high-performance version of the Hyundai i30 hatchback. It’s a product of Hyundai’s N division and is sold in some markets as the Elantra GT. Two 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine variants motivate the standard i30 N and the i30 N Performance.
One has 250 hp while the other is good for 275 hp, although both variants generate the same 260 lb-ft of torque. The N Standard can accelerate to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, while the Performance is slightly quicker at 5.9 seconds.
Suzuki Swift Sport
- Engine: 1.4-Liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 140 HP
The Suzuki Swift Sport is a small hatchback with a 140-hp 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 170 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission, allowing the Swift Sport to sprint to 60 mph in approximately 8.1 seconds and reach a top speed of around 130 mph.
It may not be the quickest subcompact car on the market, but the Swift Sport is a light, agile hatchback with a solid reputation for spirited performance and fun-to-drive nature, thanks to Suzuki’s lightweight HEARTECT platform.
Alfa Romeo 4C
- Engine: 1.75-Liter Turbocharged Inline-4
- Horsepower: 237 HP
The Alfa Romeo 4C is a compact sports car with a mid-mounted turbocharged 1.75-liter inline-four engine producing 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Blending this robust engine with a lightweight construction allows the 4C to sprint from rest to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds and reach a top speed of approximately 160 mph.
The engine comes paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The car rides on a carbon fiber monocoque chassis and a double wishbone suspension at the front and rear.
Peugeot 208 GTi
- Engine: 1.6-Liter Turbocharged Inline-4
- Horsepower: 208 HP
The GTi is a sportier Peugeot 208 supermini. Its motivation comes from a 1.6-liter turbocharged straight-four engine producing 208 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. With a 6-speed manual shifter as the typical transmission, the 208 GTi can accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in around 6 seconds.
Despite its enhanced performance, the GTi retains the regular 208’s everyday usability. It features a sport-tuned suspension system with stiffer springs and dampers, high-performance brakes with larger discs and sport-tuned calipers, and a limited-slip differential (in some models).
