The best na 4 cylinder engine on the planet?

[Glenn1]

I was reading about the s2k engine and how it's a thinly disguised race engine, so it got me thinking. What were some of the large displacement high output na 4's previously used in production cars. Two engines come to mind. First, Porsche had a 3 liter 4 that put out about 230 - 240 hp and I believe it was in a 944 in the mid 80's. Second, Mitsubishi had a 2.6 liter that made a paltry 100hp in their redo of the Challenger, late 70's early 80's. But I think this was the first use of balance shafts to cancel noise and vibration. Can anyone else think of any other 4 cylinder engines, also is the s2k 2.2 liter the best 4 currently in production?

[turbosix]

the f22 is probably no longer in production, i'm sure honda has enough 2009MY stock to sell as it is.

[Glenn1]

Originally Posted by turbosix

the f22 is probably no longer in production, i'm sure honda has enough 2009MY stock to sell as it is.

Granted, but it would be a shame if Honda can't find a chassis to put this gem into.

[turbosix]

they just dont care about RWD anymore

[Dmaye]

if they don't care about rwd. then, we don't care about them! right guys

[dapro]

I concur if it wasnt for the s2000 I doubt I would have purchased a honda.

[RomeoHotel]

Umm, maybe an Accord. But that's just too boring and main-stream.

[philiam]

Offenhauser! I know it's not in passenger cars, but deserves a mention.

[DJJSR]

Some good runnin' 4 bangers ..............

Oldsmobile W41 Quad 4 ..........190 hp from 2.3 L ....... 82 hp per liter
Offenhauser (non-turbo) .........420 hp from 4.13 L ......102 hp per liter
S2000 .................................240 hp from 2.0 L ........120 hp per liter
'08-'09 Suzuki Hayabusa .........197 hp from 1.35 L .......146 hp per liter

[Jim21680]

Yes you certainly can't forget about the motorcycle world. The BMW S1000RR makes 193hp. (Which, being a literbike, translates to 193hp per liter!)

Not sure about the literbikes from the Japanese Big 4, but they can't be far behind.
Pretty incredible!

[turbosix]

Originally Posted by dapro

I concur if it wasnt for the s2000 I doubt I would have purchased a honda.

exactly. they have never made another car i'd have purchased. nsx included.

[lonestarbuzz]

^ SRSLY? why not an NSX?

i owned a civic that got 40 mpg and had 180,000 miles on it when it was stolen. it was still driving like new.

[turbosix]

nsx has always been incredibly overpriced for what you get. $80,000 for 280hp?

no thanks!

and i dont like boring cars, i would kill myself if i drove a civic.

[lonestarbuzz]

that explains why i'm dead.

[Marrk]

I owned a '91 944 S2. You are correct, that was a 3.0 liter 4-cylinder. However, my recollection is that the power output was around 209 hp. But, as always, I could be misremembering.

Originally Posted by Glenn1

I was reading about the s2k engine and how it's a thinly disguised race engine, so it got me thinking. What were some of the large displacement high output na 4's previously used in production cars. Two engines come to mind. First, Porsche had a 3 liter 4 that put out about 230 - 240 hp and I believe it was in a 944 in the mid 80's. Second, Mitsubishi had a 2.6 liter that made a paltry 100hp in their redo of the Challenger, late 70's early 80's. But I think this was the first use of balance shafts to cancel noise and vibration. Can anyone else think of any other 4 cylinder engines, also is the s2k 2.2 liter the best 4 currently in production?

[Glenn1]

If Honda is to keep building cars like the NSX and s2k, then they have to find enough buyers for boring Civics and Accords.

[Marrk]

Originally Posted by Glenn1

If Honda is to keep building cars like the NSX and s2k, then they have to find enough buyers for boring Civics and Accords.

Can't comment on Civics and Accords, but I have a Honda Fit and it's not boring. In fact, it's a blast.

[Glenn1]

Amen to that. For each segment they're in, no Honda is boring. Look to Toyota for boring.

[turbosix]

my definition of boring is different from yours apparently. i need a car that can get out of its own way.

[Glenn1]

Yep, sure is, or every manufacturer would only sell one car line.

[philiam]

Owned or own 6 Hondas. All good driving cars that are reliable.

[JOECHY]

What about the Lotus Elise?

[Marrk]

Originally Posted by JOECHY

What about the Lotus Elise?

I wanna see the Evora. The Elise is to small to be beautiful.

[MutantCheese]

Originally Posted by DJJSR

Some good runnin' 4 bangers ..............

Oldsmobile W41 Quad 4 ..........190 hp from 2.3 L ....... 82 hp per liter...

Back in the early '90's the Quad4 was a mean little engine. It was the best 4cyl that I recall from that era. Better than many v6 engines.

[Glenn1]

Originally Posted by MutantCheese

Back in the early '90's the Quad4 was a mean little engine. It was the best 4cyl that I recall from that era. Better than many v6 engines.

I do remember that engine, nvh was terrible. GM finally neutered that engine but adding counter rotating balance shafts and output dropped. But you're right, it was mean.