When it comes to sports cars, a powerful engine is key to delivering an exhilarating driving experience. Unfortunately, not every engine lives up to the hype. Some engines underperformed, leaving drivers disappointed and sports cars falling short of their potential. These engines had the looks, but not the performance to back them up.
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Mazda RX-8 (Renesis Rotary Engine)
Mazda’s RX-8 was praised for its innovative rotary engine design, but the Renesis engine quickly fell short of expectations. While it boasted a respectable 232 horsepower, the engine suffered from low torque and poor fuel efficiency. High oil consumption and reliability concerns made it difficult to maintain, leading to early engine failures for many owners.
Nissan 350Z (VQ35DE)
The Nissan 350Z’s early models were powered by the VQ35DE engine, which delivered 287 horsepower. However, the engine struggled with inconsistent power output, especially at higher RPMs. Many owners were frustrated by oil consumption problems, which impacted its long-term reliability. While capable on paper, it didn’t match the performance expected from a sports car of its class.
Mitsubishi Eclipse (4G63 Non-Turbo)
Mitsubishi’s Eclipse equipped with the naturally aspirated 4G63 engine lacked the excitement of its turbocharged counterpart. At around 140 horsepower, the engine felt sluggish and failed to deliver the performance needed for a true sports car experience. Common issues like crankshaft walk further reduced its appeal, frustrating owners who expected more.
Pontiac Fiero (Iron Duke)
The Pontiac Fiero looked the part of a sports car but was seriously held back by its Iron Duke engine. Producing only 92 horsepower, this 2.5-liter inline-four was far too weak for the Fiero’s aggressive design. Compounding the issue, the engine had a tendency to overheat, which resulted in many mechanical failures. In the end, its performance never lived up to the car’s sporty appearance.
Triumph TR7 (Slant-Four)
The Triumph TR7’s slant-four engine was notorious for its underperformance and frequent mechanical issues. Producing just 105 horsepower, it failed to deliver the exhilarating experience associated with British sports cars. The engine’s tendency to overheat and break down regularly made it a source of frustration for owners. Its sluggish performance left many wishing for a more reliable and powerful option under the hood.
Alfa Romeo GTV6 (Busso V6)
Alfa Romeo’s GTV6 featured the well-regarded Busso V6 engine, but even its 160 horsepower wasn’t enough to keep the car competitive with its rivals. The engine’s power delivery was uneven, and while it sounded great, it didn’t provide the thrills expected from a true sports car. Reliability issues further diminished its appeal, making it less desirable for those looking for both performance and dependability. As a result, the GTV6 fell short of the brand’s high-performance reputation.
Honda CR-Z (1.5-Liter I4 Hybrid)
Honda’s CR-Z was marketed as a sporty hybrid, but the 1.5-liter inline-four hybrid engine was anything but exciting. With only 130 horsepower, the CR-Z lacked the power to back up its athletic styling. While fuel-efficient, it disappointed enthusiasts who expected more from a car branded as a sports hybrid. The underwhelming acceleration and modest performance figures made it feel more like an economy car than a true sports model.
Maserati Biturbo (V6)
Maserati’s Biturbo was ambitious with its twin-turbo V6, but the engine ultimately fell short due to a combination of poor reliability and performance. Producing up to 188 horsepower, the Biturbo was marred by significant turbo lag, which made power delivery inconsistent and frustrating. Frequent mechanical issues, including turbo failures and overheating, only added to the car’s problems. For a brand known for luxury and performance, the Biturbo’s engine was a major letdown.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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