10 Cars That Had A V4 Engine, Ranked By Horsepower

Finding a car boasting a V-4 engine today is nearly impossible. On the other hand, finding a list of motorbikes boasting a V-4 engine is very easy, there are loads of them, such as all-new Ducati models over 150 horsepower. The humble V-4 engine is usually reserved for such vehicles because it is so good for lightweight machines, but in the past, some manufacturers bucked the trend and created cars without the chunkier V-6 or V-8 engine.

We have compiled a list of cars that feature V-4 engines that stretch right back to the early 20th century classic cars, throughout the 20th Century, and one extreme example from the mid-2010s that features a V-4 engine and makes it one of the few cars that produce over 700 horsepower.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Classic.com, Repair Pal, and source 3. The list of cars that feature a V-4 engine has been ordered from models with the lowest horsepower to the highest horsepower.

10 1960 ZAZ-965

23 Horsepower

The 1960 ZAZ-965, affectionately known as the “Zaporozhets”, is a small economy car that was produced in the Soviet Union from 1960 to 1969. With its distinctive design which features a wide grille, buggy-looking headlights, a small hood, a two-door body, and compact size, the ZAZ-965 has since become a symbol of Soviet motoring and an interesting look into the past.

Powered by a rear-mounted, air-cooled V-4 powertrain, it has modest performance but was renowned for its simplicity and reliability, making it popular among Soviet citizens during the 1960s owing to its low cost.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Classic.com)

Despite its basic features, the ZAZ-965 offered practicality and affordability for those at the time, but not so much now compared to modern economy cars, but for the few collectors who do own them, that isn’t the point of them anymore.

Its legacy endures through nostalgia, classic car meets, and as a symbol of an era in automotive history characterized by innovation within constraints and a focus on utility over luxury. There are very few 1960 ZAZ-965s in the U.S.A. and Classic.com has no record of any ever being sold. If you get to see one or get to own one, you are part of a very exclusive club!

Pros

• Hardy, small car
• Easy to maintain V-4 engine
• Very simple design

Cons

• Very low horsepower
• If you do get to own one, finding parts in the U.S.A. will be nearly impossible

9 1960 SAAB 96

38 Horsepower

SAAB has always been at the forefront of automotive design and to date has created some of the best and most loved cars ever built. As we know, they are unfortunately no longer with us, but there is still a call for SAAB in the modern world. This can be traced back to the 1960s when the Swedish automaker created the 1960 SAAB 96. A car that still looks as striking as it did when it was conceived, features a wrap-around windscreen, smooth and aerodynamic lines, whitewall tires, a slick front grille, and large bumpers.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Classic.com)

Inside the 1960 SAAB 95, the interior as surprisingly roomy and with everything you could want from a classic car, in this case, a speedometer, large steering wheel, pale and neutral color scheme, a radio and oil-level gauge. There were only 40 made in 1959, so if you can get hold of one from that model year, you have found yourself a very rare and exclusive car.

Pros

• Great looking car
• Typical SAAB reliability and the forerunner to modern SAABs
• An exclusive car to own

Cons

• Parts are hard to find
• Doesn’t compare to modern sedans

8 1924 Lancia Lambda

49 Horsepower

The 1924 Lancia Lambda still stands to this day as a pioneering masterpiece by revolutionizing automotive engineering with its innovative features and went on to inspire and guide some other fantastic Lancia models, such as the V-8-driven Lancia Dilambda.

It was the first car model to feature a load-bearing monocoque chassis, enhancing both structural integrity and driving dynamics and, the Lambda also introduced independent front suspension, a groundbreaking advancement for the time that improved ride comfort and handling precision. Something that is still used in thousands of car models today.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Classic.com)

Powered by a narrow-angle V-4 engine that, though low in horsepower, still changed the way future cars were to be designed. As a pioneering model in automotive history, the 1924 Lancia Lambda continues to be celebrated by classic car lovers for its innovation and influence on car design and engineering. According to Classic.com, the 1924 Lancia Lambda has an average price of $518,356, and the last time one was sold at auction was back in 2020. It is safe to say, they are very rare.

Pros

• Ground-breaking car for its time
• A beaut to look at

Cons

• Eye-wateringly expensive
• Parts will most likely have to be machined to be replaced

7 1968 SAAB Sonett V-4

65 Horsepower

The 1968 SAAB Sonett V-4 was a bold departure from convention, embodying SAAB’s commitment to innovation and performance. Showcasing a sleek fiberglass body, it boasts a distinctive and aerodynamic appearance that features a low pointed nose, short trunk, vented ‘bulge’ hood, round headlights, and sloped doors. Under the hood, it features a robust Ford Taunus V-4 engine, which delivers spirited performance thanks more to the light weight of the car (only 1.698 pounds) rather than the meager horsepower output.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Classic.com)

According to Classic.com, the average price for a 1968 SAAB Sonett V-4 is $15,835. This means this is a great classic sports car that you can buy for less than $20,000. Parts may be hard to come by but, if you are like a lot of classic car owners, you won’t mind getting stuck in with some tinkering and adjusting to get it just right!

Pros

• Head-turning appearance
• Quick for its age
• Very unique looking and driving car

Cons

• Parts are hard to get hold of
• They are increasingly rare to find

6 1967 Matra M530

70 Horsepower

Boasting an almost bullet-like appearance, the 1967 Matra M530 belongs to a class of small sports cars that are rarely seen in today’s market. Showcasing an almost flat hood, long nose, very low stance, low bucket seats inside, and a Targa roof, the Matra M530 is every bit of the 1960s sports car that generations of boys dreamed about when they were young. Though not as quick or as economical as its rival at the time, the Lotus Elan, which has gone on to be a much-loved sports car today, did offer something new in a very competitive segment.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Bring A Trailer)

Also boasting a mid-engine layout and light-weight fiberglass body, the 1967 Matra M530 was renowned for its handling ability on and off the track. Showcasing a simple but practical interior, the 530 features two bucket seats, a large steering wheel, floor-to-hand gear shifter, and round dials behind the steering wheel. The Matra is another example of a classic sports car that borrowed the V-4 Taunus engine from Ford, and created something unique and special that was a rarity then, and certainly is even today.

Pros

• Real sporty looking
• Reasonably fast sports car
• An exclusive car to own

Cons

• Parts are hard to get hold of
• Not as quick or economical compared to similar cars of the time such as the 1967 Lotus Elan

5 1971 SAAB 95

73 Horsepower

The 1971 SAAB 95 is a car that back in the early 1970s changed the way automakers looked at family cars and station-wagons. SAAB introduced the 1971 95 featuring front-wheel drive, which was uncommon in station wagons of the time, and combined it with their own traction control system. By combining new technology of the time, it turned it into one of the best station wagons on the market and was an indication that SAAB was thinking with safety and convenience in mind for the SAAB 95.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Bring A Trailer)

Along with the standard safety features, the 1971 95 boasts a unique look that back in the early 1970s, and today, will be sure to turn heads. The SAAB 95 boasts a distinctive design, characterized by a wraparound windshield and a steeply raked rear window, which not only enhances aerodynamics but provides exceptional visibility for the driver.

Pros

• Lots of cargo and passenger space, 38.5 inches of front headroom
• Eye-catching vehicle
• Relatively cheap to buy, the average used price is $22,150

Cons

• Rare car to get hold off
• Parts will be difficult to find

4 1969 Ford Capri MKI (1.7-Liter)

74 Horsepower

Heralding the era of the European pony car, the 1969 Ford Capri MKI was designed to capture the essence of American muscle cars in a European package, the 1969 Ford Capri MKI combined sporty styling with affordable performance.

Though not one of the fastest pony cars out there, it still served as a huge milestone for European automotive choices. Featuring a sleek and aggressive styling, featuring a long hood, short rear deck, and distinctive Coke-bottle shape. The design is timeless yet contemporary, appealing to a wide range of tastes, even to this day.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Bring A Trailer)

Inside, the Ford Capri MKI boasts a comfortable and well-appointed cabin, with deep-cushioned leather seating for four and a range of available amenities such as air conditioning, power steering, and optional sports seats. It was marketed as a car that could transport the family, look stylish, and give that muscly impression. These are just some of the reasons that the 1969 Ford Capri MKI has since become a beloved classic car for collectors, the other reason being that the V-4 Taunus powertrain is well renowned for its reliability and mend-ability.

Pros

• Aggressive-looking pony car
• Reasonable amount of power
• Plenty of parts are available

Cons

• A reasonable average second-hand value of $16,763 but, according to Classic.com, only one Capri MKI has been sold since last year
• Prone to overheating and carburetor problems

3 1972 Ford Consul (Granada MKI)

82 Horsepower

The 1972 Ford Consul, also known as the Granada MKI, marked a significant milestone in Ford’s automotive lineup, blending luxury with performance in a sleek and sophisticated package. With its elegant design, spacious interior, and innovative features such as air conditioning and power steering, the Consul Granada quickly became a symbol of prestige and refinement in the early 1970s.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Bring A Trailer)

Powertrain options for the 1972 Ford Consul ranged from a V-4, an inline-four, and a V-6, giving you a choice of what kind of performance you want from your car, economical or punchy. The exterior design of the Consul Granada exuded confidence and sophistication, with clean lines, chrome accents, and a distinctive front grille that commands attention on the road.

Inside, the cabin is tastefully appointed with high-quality materials, plush seating, and modern amenities such as air conditioning, power windows, and a premium sound system. The 1972 Ford Consul really was the complete package in a time of austerity, and now a much-loved classic.

Pros

• Spacious cabin and seats
• Good choice of powertrains
• Sophisticated and luxurious look

Cons

• Suspension is prone to rust

2 1970 Lancia Fulvia HF Rallye

113 Horsepower

The 1970 Lancia Fulvia HF Rallye is a legendary rally car that left an indelible mark on motorsport history. Developed by Lancia’s racing division, the HF (High Fidelity) variant of the Fulvia was specifically engineered for competitive rallying, and it quickly became a dominant force on the international rally scene.

At the heart of the Fulvia HF Rallye was its potent 1.6-liter V-4 engine, which delivered impressive power and torque, especially considering its compact size and weight of only 2,200 pounds. The powertrain is mounted transversely and positioned well behind the front axle, enhancing the car’s weight distribution and handling characteristics, making it perfect for rallying.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Classic.com)

The Fulvia HF Rallye’s lightweight construction, featuring a combination of aluminum body panels and a tubular steel chassis, further contributes to its agility and responsiveness on both tarmac and gravel surfaces. Its advanced suspension system, boasting double wishbones at the front and a rear beam axle, provides traction and stability in all conditions, even compared to modern-day rally standards. The Fulvia HF Rallye serves as a great inspiration and starting point for many brilliant rally cars.

Pros

• A big part of motorsport history
• A real professional and mean look
• Great power-to-weight ratio

Cons

• Like a lot of Lancia models, they are prone to rust

1 2014 Porsche 919 Hybrid

900 Horsepower (Hybrid Combined)

The 2014 Porsche 919 Hybrid was a groundbreaking endurance racing car that showcased Porsche’s commitment to innovation and performance. At the heart of the 919 Hybrid was its advanced hybrid powertrain, which combined a turbocharged V-4 engine with electric motors to deliver exceptional performance while maximizing fuel efficiency. Like some of the best hybrid vehicles, the Porsche 919 Hybrid utilizes regenerative braking to capture energy and then re-delivers it with a huge boost.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Porsche)

The Porsche 919 Hybrid features a sleek and aerodynamic body, designed to minimize drag and maximize downforce for optimal handling and stability at high speeds. Its distinctive design elements, such as the prominent front splitter and rear wing, not only improve aerodynamic efficiency but also add to the car’s purposeful appearance.

The 919 Hyrbid was a force to be reckoned with on the track, achieving success in endurance racing competitions such as the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Pros

• A fantastic blend of gasoline and electric technology
• A very successful race car
• Huge horsepower

Cons

• Only two exist
• You can’t buy one
• It is not a road car