In cars, bigger doesn’t always mean better or more powerful. Some of the most unassuming vehicles hide a monstrous secret beneath their hoods—engines that pack enough power to leave even the flashiest sports cars in the dust. Check out these 15 compact cars with engines that mean serious business.

Aston Martin Cygnet

At first glance, it looks like a quirky city car built for tight streets, but this little beauty hides a thrilling surprise. The Cygnet was based on the Toyota iQ to meet European emission regulations. However, in 2018, Aston Martin turned this modest commuter into a fire-breathing one-off beast by dropping in a 4.7-liter V8 engine to increase its power to a wild 430 hp.

Mini John Cooper Works

The Mini John Cooper Works JCW takes the Mini’s classic charm and injects it with pure racing DNA. Produced since 2008, this hot hatch is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and sprints to 60 mph in under 6 seconds. As a favorite among car enthusiasts, the car has evolved with different versions, including the Clubman and Countryman.

Hyundai Veloster

Many car enthusiasts consider the Hyundai Veloster an unconventional hatchback with its unique three-door design. However, it packs a surprising punch in its high-performance variant, the Veloster N, which is the only one Hyundai didn’t discontinue. According to Car and Driver, it features a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 275 hp and hits 60 mph in 5.1 seconds.

Ford Fiesta ST

Unlike other discontinued Ford Fiesta models, the ST version continued to sell in the US until 2023. Since its debut in 2013, the model has wowed drivers with the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine. Despite being budget-friendly, it is beloved for its rally-inspired agility. Over the years, Ford has introduced various STs with performance tweaks to improve the driving experience.

BMW M2

Introduced in 2016, this BMW came with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that delivered 365 hp in its base model and up to 405 hp in the more aggressive M2 Competition variant. With a 0-60 mph time of only 4 seconds, the M2 has become one of BMW’s most beloved performance cars, with appearances in TV shows and video games, such as Need for Speed.

Shelby Cobra 427

Although it may be relatively small, its massive engine makes it one of the most powerful roadsters. The Cobra 427 was fitted with a 7.0-liter V8 engine that produced an incredible 425 hp, though some say actual figures were much higher. This no-frills machine could reach speeds of 164 mph—a serious achievement in the 1960s.

Abarth 595 Competizione

Turning the Fiat 500 into a feisty rocket, this car is equipped with a turbocharged 1.4-liter T-Jet engine with 140 hp. That might not seem like a lot on paper, but considering its lightweight frame, it packs a serious punch when it reaches 140 mph. The Abarth 595 has seen several special editions and upgrades, from convertible versions to limited-production models.

Third Generation Ford Focus

This third-generation Ford Focus, produced from 2011 to 2018, brought new refinement and performance to the compact car segment. The Focus ST came with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. On the other hand, the range-topping RS version had a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine cranking out 350 hp to produce 165 mph.

Hennessey Venom F5

In the quest to produce the world’s fastest production car, Hennessey produced the Venom F5 with a 6.6-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. It delivers an insane 1,817 hp to surpass the 300 mph barrier. Only 24 units of this marvelous machine have been made since 2020. It broke the ½ mile record in 14.44 seconds in 2024.

AMC Gremlin 401-XR

Many remember the AMC Gremlin as an oddball compact car from the 1970s, but the rare Gremlin 401-XR variant packed serious heat under its awkward exterior. Equipped with a 6.6-liter V8 engine, the 401-XR was a one-of-a-kind performance car that AMC enthusiasts still talk about today. 

VW Golf R

Since its introduction in 2002, the Golf R’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces an impressive 300 hp. With a  4.7 second 0-60 mph time and an all-wheel drive, the Golf R is the ultimate sleeper car. It’s as comfortable on a grocery run as it tears through a race track. Over the years, the Golf R has developed a loyal following with refined handling and tech upgrades.

Sunbeam Tiger

Built in the 1960s, the Sunbeam Tiger looks like a classic British roadster, but it roared thanks to its American muscle. It was fitted with a Ford V8 engine—initially a 4.3-liter engine producing 164 hp, but it was upgraded to a 4.7-liter version in its final year. Only 7,083 units were produced between 1964 and 1967, which makes it a rare find today.

Honda Civic Type R

First introduced in 1997, it has evolved over generations, with the latest models featuring jaw-dropping performance, thanks to the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With a top speed of 169 mph, the Civic Type R has established itself as one of the most thrilling front-wheel-drive cars on the market.

Toyota GR Yaris

Toyota’s GR Yaris is a rally-bred beast sports car developed with input from Toyota’s World Rally Championship team. It was launched in 2020 as a high-performance variant of the Yaris. Beneath its small frame lies a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, which makes the GR Yaris particularly thrilling. 

Hyundai i30 N

Launched in 2017 as part of Hyundai’s high-performance N division, the i30 N is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 271 hp in the Performance Package variant. It offers sharp handling, but what sets it apart is its engaging character with features like the active exhaust and customizable drive modes.