Size Isn't Everything
In the automotive world, size doesn’t always matter - and sometimes, it makes absolutely no sense! A handful of small cars were stuffed with powerplants that seemed to belong in much bigger rides. The results ranged from hilarious to hazardous, with a dash of charm.
AMC Gremlin X 401 (1972–1973)
AMC’s subcompact Gremlin was already an oddball, but the X 401 package turned it into a genuine street brawler. Dropping a massive 6.6-liter V8 into such a stubby shell was equal parts genius and madness. It could shred tires and scare passengers, but it was never subtle.
Chevrolet Vega Cosworth (1975–1976)
The Vega’s reputation was mostly rust and regret, but the Cosworth edition was a rare bright spot. Chevy stuffed a 16-valve, twin-cam four into the featherweight body, hand-built in limited numbers. Its performance wasn’t explosive, but the refinement was a surprise!
Chevrolet Citation X-11 (1980–1985)
The Citation was GM’s awkward leap into front-wheel drive, but the X-11 trim tried to add spice. A high-output 2.8-liter V6 lurked under the hood, which made this dowdy hatchback surprisingly quick in its day. Handling upgrades couldn’t quite save its reputation, but enthusiasts remember the oddball with affection.
Chevrolet Cobalt SS Turbo (2008–2010)
Nobody expected a rental-lot Cobalt to transform into a pocket rocket, yet the SS Turbo delivered. With a turbocharged 2.0-liter pumping out 260 horsepower, it could humiliate pricier imports of the era. Recaro seats, boost gauges, and raucous acceleration made it a cult favorite.
Chevrolet Sonic RS (2013–2016)
Chevy doubled down on compact mischief with the Sonic RS, turning their smallest car into a playful hot hatch. A turbocharged 1.4-liter four didn’t sound impressive, but with a slick manual and tuned suspension, it felt scrappy and eager.
Dodge Omni GLH-S (1986)
Carroll Shelby looked at Chrysler’s boxy little Omni and thought, “needs more boost.” The result was the GLH-S (“Goes Like Hell S’more”), a turbocharged four-cylinder hatch that embarrassed Mustangs and Camaros. With 175 horsepower in a featherweight shell, it was scrappy, snappy, and absurdly fun.
Ford Focus RS (2016–2018)
The Focus RS was Ford’s mic-drop moment for hot hatches in America. A turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost delivered 350 horsepower, paired with all-wheel drive and a “Drift Mode” button. Suddenly, this everyday compact could slingshot around corners like a rally car. It showed how wild small cars could get.
Ford Mustang II King Cobra (1978)
The Mustang II is usually the butt of jokes, but the rare King Cobra version at least tried to bring heat. Ford stuffed in a 5.0-liter V8, giving the shrunken pony some much-needed grunt. With wild decals and hood scoops, it looked fast even if it wasn’t.
Honda Civic Si (1986–present)
The Civic Si turned Honda’s commuter champ into an enthusiast darling. By pairing lightweight chassis with rev-happy engines, the Si became a legend of balance over brute force. In its earliest form, 91 horsepower felt like plenty, thanks to razor-sharp handling. Later models brought VTEC fury, too.
Honda Civic Type R (1997–present)
If the Si was the appetizer, the Type R was the full banquet. Stripped of fluff, stuffed with screaming engines and armed with track-ready suspension, the Civic Type R redefined the hot hatch. Each generation chased redline glory, from 8,000-rpm screamers to turbocharged torque monsters.
Mini Cooper S JCW GP (2006, 2013, 2020)
The John Cooper Works GP was Mini’s wild card - stripped down, amped up, and ready for battle! With no rear seats, aggressive aero, and turbocharged engines pushing well over 200 horsepower, it transformed the cute Cooper into a track weapon. Three limited editions proved that small cars can be both cheeky and utterly unhinged.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (1992–2016)
Mitsubishi’s street samurai, the Evo packed a turbocharged four-cylinder, all-wheel drive, and rally-bred attitude. Its 2.0-liter engines delivered absurd horsepower, sometimes eclipsing 300 ponies, all wrapped in an unassuming sedan body. Every generation sharpened the blade, earning it cult status.
Subaru WRX STI (2004–2021, US Models)
If the Evo was the samurai, the WRX STI was the boxer brawler. Subaru’s rally roots birthed this turbocharged, winged compact that became an icon of dirt-road dominance. With a burbling flat-four and rally-tuned suspension, it devoured corners and gravel alike.
Suzuki Swift Sport (2005–present)
The Swift Sport is the underdog hot hatch the world quietly loves. Lightweight and eager, it pairs a zippy four-cylinder (naturally aspirated or turbocharged, depending on the era) with playful handling. It’s not about horsepower bragging rights - it’s about smiles per mile.
Toyota Yaris GR (2020–present)
The Yaris GR is Toyota’s modern rally rocket - a homologation special built so the brand could play in WRC. Its tiny three-cylinder punches out a monstrous 257 horsepower, funneled through all-wheel drive. It’s compact insanity, engineered for apexes, gravel, and grins. In a world of bloated performance cars, the GR is small, mighty, and glorious.
