It used to be that an inline four-cylinder was just slightly more powerful than a lawnmower, but modern performance technology, as well as super and turbocharging, has made them formidable engines. In fact, there are some high-output I-4s that rival V-6s and even V-8s, both in horsepower and torque. Gone are the days when four-cylinders were only for sensible compacts, as they now power some of the hottest rides around.

10 Four-Cylinder Cars That Are Faster Than Their Larger-Engined Ancestors

CarBuzz.com

If you have a basic understanding of how a turbocharged engine like the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla's souped-up three-cylinder works, it's not hard to figure out that they pose reliability issues you won't get with a naturally aspirated engine. Before we get into the higher heat and pressure that comes with turbocharging, the bottom line is there are more moving parts, meaning there's more stuff that can break.

Reliability Showdown: Turbocharged Vs. Naturally Aspirated Engines

Most of us are familiar with Honda's ability to create some of the most reliable vehicles the world's ever seen. Honda can still run with the best of them, especially when it comes to engine development. The 9,000 rpm engine in the Honda S2000 was a gem, and the Acura NSX offered hypercar hybrid tech at a much lower cost. But the power density of both these engines pale in comparison with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine found in the Honda Civic Type R.

The Most Power-Dense Honda Engine Ever Made

Honda has long been known for producing some of the most reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles in the market. And while Honda has been stepping up its game by making its cars more luxurious over the years, buyers have always had to turn to Acura for their luxury fix. Acura is Honda's luxury division, after all.

The Honda With More Luxury Than A Lexus... And It's Not An Acura

In the 1980s, many racers were experimenting with turbochargers on stock engines. Colossal horsepower and torque numbers could be produced for a short period until the engine self-destructed. One of the weakest links they focused on was how to keep the head attached to the block under extreme pressures. Many engine builders experimented with copper gaskets, deck plates and other solutions to solve head gasket failures.

Cylinder Head Gasket Failures Due to Engine Head Lift

The automotive world is mourning the loss of a legendary powertrain. General Motors has confirmed the impending retirement of its celebrated 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax diesel engine. Renowned for its exceptional torque delivery, commendable fuel efficiency, and formidable towing capacity, the Duramax has been a cornerstone of GM’s full-size SUV lineup.

End of an Era: General Motors Retires Iconic Duramax Diesel Engine Amid Stricter Emissions Regulations

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The 5.4-liter Ford Triton V8 engine doesn't exactly have a stellar reputation, but it powered cars and trucks for long time. They can't all be bad, right?

Every Ford Model Powered By The 5.4L V8 Engine

Acura began its history in 1986 as the luxury division of the Honda Motor Company. It was the first luxury brand to go to market, beating both Lexus and Infiniti. The purpose of the Acura brand was to sell luxury versions of Honda vehicles outside Japan, in order to appeal to a broader, growing market at the time. Honda was able to go on selling commuter cars, while Acura catered to those with heavier pocketbooks.

Here's What Makes Acura And Honda So Different

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‘Any meat items my dogs refuse to eat, I no longer eat.’ It’s said that animals have a “sixth sense,” which affords them an insight human beings cannot match. There are clips of security camera earthquake footage where pets can be seen wigging out seconds before tremors begin.

‘It ain’t food anymore.’: Dairy Queen customer warns against chicken after his dog refuses to eat it

Honda has some of the most reliable and capable vehicles in its lineup for 2024. But there's one model that's very underrated.

This Honda Is The Most Underrated of 2024

The misconception that sports cars are fragile and unreliable probably stems from the roadsters of the 1950s that actually left drivers stranded on the side of the road. Like trucks, most sports cars are built with performance parts and more substantial items. These items help high-performance machines take on the tracks and handle hard driving to show off the most incredible performance.

10 Old-School Sports Cars That Can Actually Take A Beating

Lamborghini's new Temerario boasts a unique hybrid V8 engine delivering 907 horsepower. Motorsport learnings suggest the 10,000-rpm engine will be capable of sustained torture on the track. Customers can expect numerous customization options including over 400 exterior colors. Alleggerita lightweight package available from launch with less weight, more aero, plenty...

Meet The Lamborghini Temerario: The 900-HP Baby Lambo Of Your Dreams

GM's LS line of V8 engines have been around since the 50s, and powered all sorts of vehicles. Here's every truck the company has made with one under the hood.

Every Truck Powered By A General Motors LS V8 Engine

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Herbie J Pilato

Actor Van Johnson, who died in 2007, was one of Hollywood's ideal films idols. In the 1940s, the charming screen icon was box office gold, and remained a popular presence on TV in shows like Murder, She Wrote (which starred his good friend Angela Lansbury).

The Secret Gay Life & Horrific Car Accident of Actor Van Johnson: 16 Years After His Tragic Death

Acura recently announced the lightly updated 2025 RDX SUV, which gained several features but kept its controversial touchpad infotainment system. Now, the automaker is announcing pricing for the upcoming vehicle, which will land with few updates instead of the expected midcycle refresh. The base Acura RDX starts at $46,050, a...

Acura Prices the Lightly Updated 2025 RDX SUV

Midsize sales in the United States have declined over the years, but as numerous automakers leave this segment, demand has since stabilized and whatever models that remain have had robust sales. That's because while interest in this segment has declined, that demand never went away. The market has shrunk enough to a point that it now meets current demand, and as you'll probably notice, all that has remained in the mainstream sedan segment are Asian automakers.

The Most Efficient Midsize Hybrid Car You Can Buy In 2024

There are a lot of factors that determine how much power an internal combustion engine makes, but the biggest is simply how fast it can consume fuel.

This Is The Largest Displacement V-8 Ever Used In An American Car

Some cars are meant to last forever, and the names live on as the best vehicles we’ve ever seen, while others should have made it from the drawing board to the trash can and no further. The 1980s was a decade in which many automakers made terrible cars. These overly common cars from that decade aren’t seen today because they simply weren’t good for much of anything.

10 Overly Common Cars From The 80s That Nobody Ever Sees Today

Men's Journal Pursuits: The Car Guide

The 2025 Corvette ZR1 is the most powerful American V8 production car ever and one of the most powerful production cars in the world

2025 Corvette ZR1 Breaks the 1,000-Horsepower Barrier

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC350e has arrived at U.S. dealerships with a $61,050 starting price, which is around $10,000 higher than the price of the gas-only GLC300. The plug-in-hybrid GLC ekes out 54 miles of electric-only range from its 24.8-kWh battery. Combined with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, the hybrid system spits...

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC350e Plug-In Hybrid Has a 54-Mile Range

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10 Naturally Aspirated Engines That Produce BIG Torque

Despite the continued development and innovation of combustion engine technology, there will never be anything that can replace the original winning recipe: the naturally aspirated engine....

10 Naturally Aspirated Engines That Produce BIG Torque

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