V4 engines are a rarity on modern roads, but a handful of classic cars used them to create unforgettable designs. Below we explore five oddball models that proved a V4 could power a car with style, decent mileage, and a price that made sense for their era.
5 Oddball Cars With V4 Engines – Design, Performance & Price
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Image: 5 Oddball Cars With V4 Engines – Design, Performance & Price – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
Each of these cars used the compact V4 layout to free up space for distinctive styling:
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- Fiat Topolino (1930‑1936) – Its tiny round headlights and curvy fenders gave the little city car a playful, almost cartoonish look.
- Lancia Fulvia (1963‑1974) – The narrow‑angle V4 let Lancia fit a sleek, aerodynamic body that still turns heads at classic shows.
- Saab 93 (1955‑1960) – With a rounded front and a teardrop roof, the Saab looked like a jet‑age capsule.
- Ford Taunus V4 (1962‑1974) – The engine’s short length allowed a clean, boxy German design with large glass areas.
- DKW Junior (1960‑1965) – The two‑stroke V4 sat low, giving the Junior a sporty, low‑profile silhouette.
Performance & Mileage
While none of these models were speed demons, the V4 gave a smooth power delivery and respectable fuel economy for the time:
- Fiat Topolino: 22 mph top speed, ~35 mpg (US).
- Lancia Fulvia: 115 hp, 0‑60 mph in 12 s, ~30 mpg.
- Saab 93: 45 hp, 0‑60 mph in 19 s, ~34 mpg.
- Ford Taunus V4: 55 hp, 0‑60 mph in 15 s, ~32 mpg.
- DKW Junior: 45 hp (two‑stroke), 0‑60 mph in 17 s, ~28 mpg.
Price & Rivals
When they launched, each V4 car was priced to compete with mainstream four‑cylinders:
- Fiat Topolino – roughly $500 in the 1930s, rivaled by the Austin 7.
- Lancia Fulvia – $3,200 (US) in the late‑60s, against the Alfa Romeo Giulia.
- Saab 93 – $3,400 (US) in 1958, competing with the Volvo PV444.
- Ford Taunus – $1,800 (US) in 1965, matched by the Opel Rekord.
- DKW Junior – $1,200 (US) in 1962, rivaled by the Volkswagen Beetle.
| Engine | Mileage | Price (US) | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 L V4 (Fiat) | ≈35 mpg | $500 (1930s) | Compact size, easy city maneuverability |
| 1.1 L narrow‑angle V4 (Lancia) | ≈30 mpg | $3,200 (late‑60s) | Aerodynamic body, rally pedigree |
| 1.2 L V4 (Saab) | ≈34 mpg | $3,400 (1958) | Front‑wheel drive, robust chassis |
| 1.5 L V4 (Ford) | ≈32 mpg | $1,800 (1965) | Straight‑line handling, roomy interior |
| 0.9 L two‑stroke V4 (DKW) | ≈28 mpg | $1,200 (1962) | Lightweight, sporty look |
FAQ
- What is the mileage of the Lancia Fulvia? The Fulvia averages about 30 mpg (US) in mixed driving.
- Is the Ford Taunus V4 worth buying as a classic? Its low maintenance costs and distinctive German styling make it a solid choice for collectors.
- How does the DKW Junior’s two‑stroke V4 compare to modern engines? It offers a quirky sound and high-rev character but lacks the efficiency and emissions standards of today’s four‑cylinders.
Which V4 oddball catches your eye? Drop a comment below and let us know your favorite!
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Source: Read Official News