Japan is the world's third-largest auto manufacturing nation, producing some of the most stunning, efficient, and powerful automobiles on the planet. All thanks to its automakers' near-perfect credibility, who have delivered exclusive, one-of-a-kind, and exceptional technology-based vehicles.

If you've seen some of the world's most popular films, such as Baby Driver, Back to the Future, and the most iconic Fast and Furious movie series, particularly Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift, you'll understand why auto enthusiasts adore Japanese cars. However, with such high stakes, there are also a few exceptional elegant JDM cars that have severely limited horsepower and amaze everyone.

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Despite the fact that some of them were complete flops, a select few were able to make an impression due to their outstanding visual appeal. The following list features some stunning Japanese cars with underpowered engines.

8 Mazda 1500

Via: CarSpiritPK

Wind the clock back to 1966, when the executive sedan Mazda Luce 1500 or Mazda 1500 was introduced. Mazda was not always the behemoth brand that it is today. In numerous ways, credit goes to this mainstream model designed by the renowned Italian automobile designer "Giorgetto Giugiaro". This four-door saloon, however, despite being sharp and admired for its styling, lacked the expected engine power.

Via: Flickr

This moneymaker Mazda wasn't a particularly powerful car, nor was it particularly quick. The sedan was powered by a Mazda C family 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine that had a peak output of just over 77 horsepower and 85 lb-ft of torque. When you drive the 1500, it's easy to find how it might all be true.

7 Suzuki Cappuccino

Via: Oto Siswapelajar.com

When the Suzuki Cappuccino was first launched in 1991, it was styled to look like a supercar, and although this two-seater sports car was elegantly designed, it wasn't a beast. Since it was classified as a Kei-class car in Japan to qualify for lower insurance and tax rates for the segment, it lost power and had to comply with government-mandated engine capacity.

Via: Oto Siswapelajar.com

This little beauty was powered by a 657 cc turbocharged inline three-cylinder engine that produced approximately 63 horsepower, which wasn't perfect for its appearance and saw many of its owners switch out the engine for more power, effectively turning it into a miniature supercar.

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6 Honda Ballade Sports CR-X 1.3

Via: Motor1.com

It's quite difficult to compile a list of beautiful JDM cars without including the famous model Honda CR-X, launched originally as Honda Ballade Sports CR-X in Japan. It was an excellent affordable sports compact car, with spacious accommodations for two, superb fuel economy, lightweight, and excellent road handling. However, it lacked the engine strength, which would have given this commuter car an exceptional result and extended its lifespan.

Via: Motor1.com

The 1.3-liter CVCC engine variant of this hot hatch was undeniably underpowered and roughly bumped out 79 horsepower and 82 lb-ft of torque. Motorists and car collectors appreciate its appearance, but this engine variant was in dire need of more power.

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5 Mazda MK-5 (NA)/Eunos Roadster

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Built in 1989, the Mazda MK-5, also known as the Eunos Roadster in Japan and the Mazda MK-5 Miata in America, is one of the most famous cars among Mazda fans, adored for its artistic beauty and driving pleasure. Influenced by the postwar British sports cars era, it was quite a success in the market, but totally lagged the true sports car strength.

Via: WallpaperUP

The first generation MX-5 came with two four-cylinder engine options: a 1.6-liter that produced 115 hp but was later detuned to 89 hp and a 1.8-liter engine that was increased to jet 133 hp in the latter part of its life. It is quite obvious that the Eunos Roadster will not win many races.

4 Toyota 86

Via: Motor1.com

This rear-wheel-drive sports coupe is the result of a partnership between Toyota and Subaru, which also developed the Subaru BRZ. Auto enthusiasts have lauded the Toyota 86 for its aesthetic beauty and driving style, but the fastback coupe has been mocked for its lack of engine power.

Via: Motor1.com

Starting at $26,985, the Toyota 86 has a 2.0-liter flat four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque and is coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, aside from its modern sporty design, it has been on the list of cars for engine modifications by auto experts to meet the anticipated engine power.

3 Toyota MR-S/MR2

Via: 9tro.com

This third generation Toyota MR2 marketed as MR-S (Midship Runabout-Sports) in Japan in 1999 was a much-awaited sports car that featured a better ride handling, lightweight, 21 color combination option, and a stylish open top design over its predecessor, but it was still a low-horsepower fun car.

Via: 9tro.com

Toyota MR-S had only one engine option, the 1ZZ-FED, a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine that had 138 horsepower, a major decrease in power output from the previous generation. Furthermore, it lost acceleration from 6.8 seconds to 8.7 seconds for 0-62 mph after the advent of automatic shifting with a five-speed SMT (Sequential Manual Transmission) in 2001.

2 Honda S660

Via: Nengun Performance

There is something intrinsically charming about this two-seater Kei roadster Honda S660 and its appearance. The car was hailed for its maneuverability and stability after its commercial release in 2015, but it was criticized by motoring journalists and pundits for its lack of power, as no other derivatives or export models were produced with larger engines.

Via: Pinterest

Developed as a mid-mounted engine Kei car, this elegantly styled sports car is powered by a turbocharged 660cc engine that puts out 63 horsepower on the rear wheels, which is extremely low for its design. This roadster would have been better off with a mid-sized engine than an underpowered one, but it is expected that an export variant with a higher engine version of 1.0-liter to deliver 130 horsepower would be released.

Related: 9 Cars Honda Is Most Proud Of (1 They Wish They Never Made)

1 Mazda Cosmo Series I

Via: Mecum Auctions

Isn't it true that the Mazda Cosmo has a soft spot in everyone's heart? This classic two-seater sports car is the pinnacle of elegance and aerodynamics. It's first variant Mazda Cosmo Series I was a rare collection as only 343 of such beauties were made. However, its limited engine strength was a major concern, so its other versions were given powerboost.

Mazda Cosmo Series I
Via: Mecum Auctions

The iconic Japanese car was powered by a two 491 cc two-rotor Wankel rotary engine that delivered 110 horsepower and 98 lb-ft of torque. This 1.0-liter Mazda's engine was paired with a four-speed manual transmission that took 8.2 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph, with a maximum speed of 115 mph. Introduced in 1967, this model only lasted a year, despite the fact that the next generation Series II saw a power increase to 128 horsepower.

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