In most cases, top performance in vehicles means an incredibly crazy power output of 400+ horsepower, an efficient drivetrain, and an excellent transmission system. Modern drivers are obsessed with the power output and almost always equate it to the vehicle's overall performance.
This is quite true. But some small-engined cars have proven that the overall driving experience does not entirely depend on the massive power output. These are sports cars that perform at par with high-performance supercars when it comes to providing a fun driving experience. The following list of ten vehicles includes classic and modern vehicles that had exemplary performance despite having less than 150 horsepower.
10 Porsche 356 Speedster
Unveiled in the 1950s, this vintage Porsche had the legendary handling capabilities of a Porsche 911. The vehicle produced only 110 horsepower from its flat-four naturally aspirated engine, yet it managed impressive finishes at track races and trounced opponents with mightier engines.
The formula for success on this Porsche was the excellent weight to power distribution and the handling abilities derived from the drive train, and the perfect suspension system. The relatively light curb weight translated to a top speed of 125 mph, which was enough to compete with the more prominent cars effectively.
9 Austin/Morris Mini
The Mini Cooper is a classic small but mighty vehicle. The tales of the Cooper slaying bigger, more powerful cars are akin to the biblical story of David and Goliath. The Mini's X-factor undoubtedly lies in its excellent agility. The Austin/Morris Mini was the epitome of said agility. The vehicle can meander tight corners and squeeze through spaces other vehicles wouldn't dare venture.
The vehicle produced in 1961 featured an A-series engine that originally produced 34 bhp before it was increased to 55 bhp and 75 bhp in later versions of the model. Despite the low power, the mini is so much fun to drive and is capable of many stunts and tricks due to its highly rated agility.
8 1997 Ford Puma
Before Ford started releasing trucks with mad power and torque, they had in their line-up of vehicles a pretty laid-back and straightforward Ford Puma 1997. The car featured a 1.7-liter engine made by Yamaha that produced only 123 horses, even at full throttle. The vehicle could easily pass under the radar were it not for its excellent handling abilities and the numerous videos of drivers flipping and turning it with so much ease.
It was fitted with a wider track, stiffer suspension, and a close-ratio gearbox, and all the new inclusion made for an excellent drive despite the Puma being massively underpowered.
7 1962 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA
Never mind that the 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA is a beast of epic proportions, churning out an impressive 540 horsepower. When it was produced back in the 1960s, the original Giulia GTA was considered a fast machine, but by today's standards, it's massively underpowered.
The 1962 Giulia came fresh from the factory to the track at Monza. The car had a little 1.6-liter engine with only 92 bhp, but it came out of the track amid sighs of astonishment and awe at the impressive performance it put out. The aerodynamic body, the capable suspension, and its low curb weight being the main factors for its success at Monza.
6 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Much like the Porsche 911, the Mazda MX-5 Miata, is legendary for its handling capability and exhilarating driving experience. The Miata was born to be driven. The MX-5 begs the driver to engage the gears, step on the gas pedal and pull on the stick shift all at once. And it responds pretty remarkably.
This car comes with various trim levels featuring different engine variants, but the entry-level Mazda MX-5 is the car featured here. It has a 1.5-liter engine with 132 bhp. This is a car that promises the purest driving experience.
5 Caterham Seven 270
The vehicle has a go-kart look that instantly makes it not to be taken too seriously. And that is the whole point of the vehicle, to bring the fun back to driving. The chassis is all bars and bright-colored paint, and that also adds to the appeal of driving an outdoorsy kind of unique vehicle.
Under the hood, a four-cylinder engine works to produce only 135 horses. However, considering the vehicle weighs in at 500 kgs, the power to weight ratio is immensely high at 275 bhp per tonne.
4 Fiat 500
At 13 bhp with a 479 cc engine, this original Fiat 500 is about as powerful as modern-day rickshaws. However, what it lacks in raw power and torque, it more than makes up for with the excellent driving experience. The Fiat is an easy-to-drive Sunday afternoon car. Driving this classic conjures up memories of the Volkswagen Beetle, but with a much more relaxed drive personality.
The added advantage of the vehicle is that it has minimal technology, and it sort of acts as a time machine that transports the driver back in time to a period where cars were all about engaging the gears while cruising at a leisurely 60 mph top speed.
3 Suzuki Jimny
Even at first glance, it's obvious that the Jimny is not built for speed. With an almost box-like chassis, the Jimny is no stranger to wind resistance. This will mean quick acceleration is thrown out the window, and hitting top speeds is quite rare. The Jimny, however, has an ace up its sleeve. It is a low-powered, high-performance, off-road vehicle.
It may deliver only 100 horses and 95 lb-ft of torque, but this little car is built to shine off-road, where it makes mincemeat out of any obstacle in its path.
2 Golf GTi Mk1
Before the MK1 premiered, German carmaker Volkswagen had its engine and wheel placement all topsy-turvy. The beetle had its engine at the rear, and only the rear wheels were powered instead of the front wheels. The Golf Gti MK1 produced in 1976 changed all that with its water-cooled front-mounted engine.
The earlier versions of the GTi featured a 1.6-liter engine with a power output of 108 hp. Later the engine was enhanced to 1.8 liters providing an extra four horses to the power train.
1 Light Car Company Rocket
Inspired by Formula One design and lightweight technology, this low-powered vehicle demonstrates exactly how low power outputs can be maximized for a tremendous performance. The car officially outputs 143 bhp, but with a curb weight of only 400 kgs and only two passengers at most; the LCC Rocket is lightweight enough to produce an equivalent of 350 bhp per tonne.
In terms of performance, this would translate to pretty astonishing speeds. Given that the entire modus operandi of the LCC is to be light and efficient, the aerodynamic design also adds to the speed of the vehicle.