One of the most important parts of the automotive enthusiast experience is the way a vehicle sounds when it’s being pushed to its limits (H-E-A-R THAT EVs?). No automotive engine design is as prolific as the four-cylinder so we’re wondering which one sounds the best.
It’s important to note that we’re not talking about the best four-cylinder engine ever made. We’ve asked about that before and you’ve given us some excellent answers. Today, we just care about the sound that the engine makes regardless of how good that engine is.
For those unsure of the distinction consider something like the E60 BMW M5. Its V10 is one of the most notoriously unreliable ever made but at the same time, it revs to 9,000-RPM and sounds like the progeny of an angel and a dragon. So which four-banger deserves the crown amongst its four-piston siblings?
Related: What’s The Best Four-Cylinder Engine Ever Made?
There are many notable options to choose from. Not least of which is the Ford RS200. It’s a pretty amazing engine regardless of how it sounds thanks to the fact that it was built by Cosworth. At the same time, it makes a noise that’s very appropriate for a homologation special.
Alfa Romeo introduced a twin-cam four-cylinder in 1954 and it also produces a glorious melody that deserves mention. Unlike the majority of the cars we’ll mention, the engine itself ended up in all sorts of different models which means that there are lots of cars to enjoy it in.
Some newer cars could be considered as well. Anybody who’s driven one of the last Fiat 500 Abarth models will know what we mean. Those cars were shipped and sold without a muffler at all and instead of sounding unrefined, they sound like proper Italian stallions.
The R53 MINI Cooper S is another good example though oftentimes it sounded far better once the stock mufflers were replaced. Of course, this isn’t just about exhaust noises either, and the Cooper S benefits from a delightfully nasty supercharger whine. Or is something like a screaming VTEC revving over 9,000 rpm more of your cup of tea?
So you tell us. Which four-cylinder engine sounds better than any other in history? Is it something new? Or is it something older? Does it rely on exhaust note alone or a combination of mechanical factors?