Sometimes, even the most stunning car designs can’t make up for what’s under the hood. A great-looking vehicle deserves an engine that matches its style, but that’s not always the case. In this list, we’ll take a look at 9 underpowered engines that fell short of their designs, proving that performance is just as important as appearance.
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Pontiac Fiero 2.5L I4
The Pontiac Fiero looked like a sports car but was held back by its underpowered 2.5L I4 engine, producing only 92 horsepower. This engine, dubbed the “Iron Duke,” was designed for fuel efficiency rather than performance, making it feel sluggish compared to its sleek design. Later models with V6 engines corrected this, but the initial models left enthusiasts disappointed.
Lamborghini Urraco 2.0L V8
The Lamborghini Urraco had an angular, exotic design, but its 2.0L V8 engine produced only 180 horsepower, which was insufficient for a car bearing the Lamborghini badge. For a brand known for producing high-performance supercars, this engine simply didn’t deliver the excitement buyers expected.
Lotus Elite 2.0L I4
The Lotus Elite was known for its lightweight construction and sleek, modern design, but the 2.0L inline-four engine, with just 155 horsepower, didn’t provide the performance expected from a Lotus. The engine struggled to keep up with the car’s potential, leaving drivers wanting more from this elegant machine.
Alfa Romeo Spider 2.0L I4
The Alfa Romeo Spider had timeless Italian design, but the 2.0L inline-four engine only managed around 125 horsepower. While it looked the part of a sporty roadster, its modest power output and lack of speed prevented it from being a true performance car.
Fiat X1/9 1.3L I4
The Fiat X1/9 had a striking wedge-shaped design, but the 1.3L inline-four engine, producing only 63 horsepower, left much to be desired. Its lightweight design helped somewhat, but the lack of power meant that it never truly lived up to its sporty appearance.
Datsun 240Z (U.S. Spec) 2.4L I6
The Datsun 240Z was an iconic design that pioneered the Japanese sports car market, but the U.S. version was burdened by emissions regulations, restricting its 2.4L inline-six engine to 150 horsepower. While still a solid performer, the engine was significantly tamed compared to its original potential.
Triumph TR7 2.0L I4
The Triumph TR7 had an eye-catching wedge-shaped design, but the 2.0L inline-four engine, with only 105 horsepower, wasn’t enough to give it the performance edge it needed. Despite its looks, the TR7’s sluggish acceleration and lackluster power made it fall short of being a true sports car.
Nissan 300ZX (Z31 Non-Turbo) 3.0L V6
The Z31-generation Nissan 300ZX had a bold, angular design, but the non-turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine produced just 160 horsepower, significantly less than the turbocharged version. For a car with a reputation for performance, the non-turbo variant didn’t have the power to match its aggressive looks.
Ford Pinto 2.0L I4
The Ford Pinto’s simple, boxy design was intended to be practical, but the 2.0L inline-four engine, producing just 88 horsepower, made it painfully slow. Its lack of power combined with safety concerns left the Pinto with a tarnished reputation despite its affordability.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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