Let's go back to the 90s to discover six racing cars equipped with four-cylinder engines that marked their era with their exceptional performance. A period when environmental constraints were less present, allowing manufacturers to give free rein to their creativity.
BMW M3 Sport Evolution: the quintessence of the M3 E30
The BMW M3 Sport Evolution represents the culmination of the first generation of M3, the legendary E30. Limited to just 600 units, this special series embodies BMW's sporting excellence in the 1990s.
Its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine allowed it to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. Beyond the raw performance, this M3 benefited from numerous technical improvements making it formidable on the track as well as on the road.
Ford Escort RS Cosworth: the rally icon
Who doesn't remember the Ford Escort RS Cosworth in Repsol colours driven by Carlos Sainz in the World Rally Championship? This car, based on the standard Escort, had undergone extensive modifications to be eligible for Group A.
Under the hood was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine developing over 220 hp. Thanks to this supercharged engine, the Escort RS Cosworth accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds and reached a top speed of almost 250 km/h.
Lotus Elise S1: lightness at the service of performance
Lotus has always been synonymous with lightweight, agile vehicles, true to the philosophy of its founder Colin Chapman. The Elise S1 perfectly embodies this minimalist approach.
Weighing in at just 724 kg, the Elise S1 only needed a 1.8-litre engine developing 120 hp to deliver impressive performance. The 0-100 km/h sprint was completed in 5.9 seconds. This model has received numerous awards for its unique combination of technology and agility on the road.
Honda Integra Type R: a passion for high revs
The Type R badge on a Honda is always synonymous with performance. In the 90s, the Japanese brand launched one of its fastest models, although less known than the Civic Type R.
The Integra Type R offered dynamic driving and high performance thanks to its 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with around 200 hp. It reached a top speed of almost 250 km/h and accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, remarkable figures for the time.
Subaru Impreza 22B STi: the legend of road rallying
The Subaru Impreza is inseparable from the world of rallying, even if the latest generations have lost this sporty character. For many enthusiasts, the Impreza remains associated with the exploits of Carlos Sainz or Colin McRae on the steep tracks of the Acropolis Rally or the Finnish 1000 Lakes.
The Subaru Impreza 22B STi is a true supercar disguised as a compact sedan. Its 2.0-liter turbo boxer engine developed around 275 hp, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. With only 424 units produced, this model now achieves impressive prices at auction.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Mรคkinen: tribute to the champion
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Mรคkinen Edition rounds out our list of the six fastest four-cylinder cars of the '90s. Of all the Lancer generations, the sixth is the one that generates the most passion, especially this special edition celebrating the Finnish driver's fourth consecutive title in 1999.
Mitsubishi produced only 350 units outside Japan, with 250 destined for the UK. Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine produced over 270bhp, enabling it to sprint from 0 to 60mph in 4.7 seconds, an impressive figure even by today's standards.
These six iconic models are testament to a time when manufacturers could still design ultra-sporty compact cars without being held back by strict environmental standards. Their distinctive sound and the sensations they provided remain etched in the memories of enthusiasts, recalling a bygone era in the automotive industry.
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