Can a four-door be a sports car? You did not think this was possible while growing up if you were like me.
We saw the twists and turns with the 2-door sports cars, something we did not believe 4-door vehicles could do.
A few cars fall among the best 4 door sports cars money can buy.
In the early days, buying a 4-door salon car came with trade-offs such as performance, power, and exciting handling.
The current models of sports salon cars come equipped with so much power coupled with the technology to make them as quick as possible on the road.
Technology has brought fun to family sedans. New models are easier to drive and often do not require the stress of changing the gears yourself.
However, if you are a racing fanatic, you might find the automatic transmission boring. Conventional sports cars lack the practicality for every driving.
You can’t go shopping with them because of the limited trunk capacity, and you can’t take your whole family with you because of the reduced seating capacity.
4-door sports cars give you the needed storage space and seating capacity.
You can enjoy the fun with your whole family. Relax; seating three full adults at the back isn’t so comfortable.
You can fit a child seat at the back with the extra space. I won’t go jumbo-riding if I’ve got a child at the back.
Even the best 4 door sports cars have a subtler appearance than the 2-door ones.
The 2-door variants also appeal to people, especially the younger ones who love the thrill.
But for a family, the 4-door sports car is more practical.
Characteristics of a Sports Car
A sports car is a vehicle designed primarily to enhance performance ability. Most conventional sports cars come with two-door and two-seat configurations.
They are sculpted to be good-looking and equipped for impressive acceleration and excellent handling.
Sports cars’ most prominent feature is their driving performance. The driving performance is enhanced through superior road handling, braking, and maneuverability.
This is often achieved by keeping the weight of the vehicle low. Other trade-offs include comfort, space, and fuel economy.
Despite boasting luxury and aggressive models, performance is the crucial factor that sets sports cars aside.
Today, the best 4 door sports cars combine performance and luxury, providing owners with comfort, space, power, and performance.
Now, let me explain a popular misconception. Modified regular cars such as sports compacts, sports sedans, and hot hatchbacks are not considered pure sports cars, and the modifications add a sporty feel to these cars.
Car manufacturers often list their performance models under the Sports and GT cars category or simply as performance cars.
Sports cars do not necessarily require large and powerful engines. However, some sports car brands can not resist the urge to stuff their cars with large engines.
American sports cars have quick acceleration and road power.
However, the British sports cars were exceptional in handling, and this is due to the lightweight, brilliantly engineered chassis and advanced suspension designs.
The Lotus is a perfect example of a carefully engineered sports car.
It may lack the power of the American muscle cars, but it outperforms them on tight, twisting roads because of its superior handling characteristics.
To be classified among the best 4 door sports cars, a vehicle must possess the following characteristics.
Enhanced Performance
Many sports cars come equipped with turbocharged engines, and the turbochargers add extra power to the base engine. These cars can hit 60 miles per hour from zero in under 4 seconds.
Sports cars are not as quick as supercars, but they are fast in their own right.
The engine is the powerhouse of all internal combustion vehicles.
In sports cars, engines are designed principally to provide high power and reliability under sustained acceleration, and they are not too concerned with fuel economy.
These engines contain so many refinements that are absent in standard passenger cars.
The engines could be water-cooled with 4 to 8 cylinders; however, the 4-cylinder and the 6-cylinder engines are predominant in the sports car industry.
The double overhead camshaft system provides the actuation for the valves.
This brings reliable functionality at high speeds. Multiple injectors are also used to supply adequate and quality fuel to the engine.
Superchargers and turbochargers are used to enhance power. However, superchargers are seeing a decline in usability to lower efficiency compared to turbochargers.
This power is paired with the appropriate transmission system to ensure efficient shifting between gears.
Enhanced Handling at High Speeds
The best 4 door sports cars have the best handling in their class.
Handling is heavily influenced by the layout of the drive train and the engine, and it is a central focal point for sports car manufacturers.
The front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout is a popular drive train configuration (FR layout).
It has unique handling characteristics, low costs, and good packaging. Cars that use this layout include the Chevrolet Corvette and the Mazda MX-5.
As the automobile industry advanced, new layouts were experimented with. Such advancements include the RMR layout.
In the RMR layout, the engine is mounted just behind the driver but before the rear wheels.
The RMR layout powers the rear wheels only. The layout is a popular configuration among brands such as Ferrari and Lamborghini, and even modern Grand Tourer models are beginning to adopt this layout.
The front-engine, front-wheel layout (FF layout) is another configuration some sports cars use.
Examples of cars with this layout include the Lotus Elan M100, Saab Sonett, Fiat Coupe, etc.
The FF layout has some advantages over the other layouts. The extra weight is avoided, and the losses due to transmission to rear wheels are absent.
In addition, it also exempts it from the packaging issues that come along with the driveshaft and longitudinal engine found in the FR layout.
However, the front wheel and front-drive configuration tend to understeer, affecting the handling. This layout is not typical in high-performance sports cars.
Instead, it is popular among sport compacts and hatchbacks like the Honda Civic Si, Type-R, and the popular Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Best 4 Door Sports Cars
1. BMW M5 Saloon
You can’t mistake an M5 for another vehicle, and it is so similar to its M series siblings yet so distinct in performance and power.
If you ask me what the ultimate sports sedan is, The M5 would probably be my first answer.
The M5 weighs nearly two tons, yet it can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 3.4 seconds. That is quick.
The twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engines are not playing around, and it generates a power of about 590 brake horsepower.
The competition version, the M5 competition, packs a 616 bhp engine that takes the car to 60 miles per hour in 3.3 seconds.
When stepping behind the steering wheel of this monster, don’t forget to get strapped, as it is one of the best 4 door sports cars.
The M5 offers all-wheel drive as standard. However, it is designed to be rear-biased, and you can send all the power to the rear wheels if you need to.
Despite all these enhanced performance characteristics, driving in luxury mode is just as moving in the regular BMW 5 series.
With the M5, you can breeze through the road or track. It has a commanding presence yet a sleek design, and there are so many tech upgrades to make things as easy as possible. The interior feels luxurious as well.
The M5 Competition
I feel compelled to discuss the M5 competition now that we discuss the BMW M5.
The competition is an enhanced version of the standard M5, and the model was introduced in August 2018.
The engine power of the regular M5 was increased to 616 bhp or 460 KW at 6,000 pm.
The torque remained unchanged at 750 N-m (533 Ib-ft). Moving from 0 to 100 km/h took about 3.1 seconds.
Other upgrades include stiffer springs, increased front camber, a lower ride height of 7 mm, revised wheels, and an exhaust system that has been redesigned to include a particulate filter.
These upgrades place it high among the best 4 door sports cars.
When tested by sport auto, the M5 competition completed the nürburgring lap in 7 minutes 35 seconds.
Despite being advertised with a 617 hp, the M5 showed higher power output during the Nürburgring test drive.
The engine of the M5 is an evolution of the previous generation S63.
The new M5 has a power output of 591 hp, similar to the limited-edition Competition package and 30 Jahre M5 models of the previous generation.
The new torque of 750 N-m is also higher than the previous generation M5.
The M5 uses the eight-speed ZF 8HP automatic transmission.
Torque converter automatic transmission was fitted to the F90, making it the first M5 to use the new transmission compared to the dual-clutch transmission used in the previous generation.
BMW chose the Torque converter automatic transmission for its durability. The M5 costs about $133000.
2. Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 4-door
Speak of an executive sports car, and this immediately comes to mind. This car is a beast on the road and a titan on the track.
The sheer power and aggressive engine sound scare your dog away. Yeah, they just met an alpha.
This car is among the best 4 door sports cars money can buy, and it doesn’t come cheap.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Concept influenced the final design of the GT 4-Door Coupe.
The AMG GT 4-door coupe uses the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The 4Matic+ fully variable all-wheel drive is also available, and the 4MATIC+ is rear-biased.
The GT 4-door coupe combines this drive train with a 3-liter M256 turbo, the supercharged inline-six engine, or a 4-liter M177 twin-turbocharged V8 engine.
The inline-six engine comes with a conventional turbocharger and a mild hybrid system referred to by Mercedes-Benz as the EQ Boost.
The hybrid system uses an electrically driven supercharger and a 48 V electric motor.
Combining the hybrid system with the engine increases power by 21 hp and torque by 184 Ib-ft. This happens when it is not powering the electrical system of the car.
This is a brilliant technology from Mercedes-Benz. It is, however, not the only brand among the best 4 door sports cars to use hybrid technology.
The hybrid system has been around since the introduction of the Mercedes CLS53. The rear anti-roll bar is used to increase the stiffness of the chassis and the active aerodynamics.
Other features include the electronically adjustable rear spoiler and front louvers in the front grille that is electronically operated.
The front louvers can open and close to adjust the airflow through the radiator.
The GT 63S
The GT 63S is the flagship variant of the AMG GT 4-door coupe.
It comes with the same 4-liter M177 twin-turbocharged V8 engine as in other models, and the engine is tuned further to produce 630 hp and 900 N-m of torque. Now, reread those numbers.
Now, you will appreciate why I call this car a beast among the best 4 door sports cars.
The GT 63S goes from o to 100 km/h in about 3.2 seconds and can attain a maximum speed of 315 km/h or 196 mph.
Auto Bild tests reveal even more insane numbers. 0 – 100 km/h in 3 seconds and 0 – 200 km/h in 10.2 seconds. All other equipment and features from the GT 63 can be found on the AMG GT 63S.
The AMG GT 63 costs around $137,000, while the GT 63S steps it up to $160,000.
3. Porsche Taycan Saloon
If you are not an internal combustion engine enthusiast and wonder if there is an electric car among the best 4 door sports cars, look no further—the Porsche Taycan rivals even the best-performing sports cars.
Porsche is a well-known company among sports car enthusiasts, and they have produced some exceptional cars.
Porsche has reproduced that performance matrix with the Taycan despite being known for its gasoline-powered sports cars.
The Taycan is a remarkable piece of engineering. Despite the electric powertrain, it still drives and feels like a Porsche.
Kudos to Porsche on this one. Wait a minute, how did they manage to produce this? Let’s read further.
Porsche Taycan’s rival is the Tesla Model S, which offers similar performance for fair competition. The Taycan is a pure expression of a Porsche electric sports car.
It has striking proportions, a timeless and instantly recognizable design, and a perfect blend of luxury and performance.
The basic Taycan is fast enough to beat a hot hatchback on the tracks. The top-of-the-line Turbo S produces 750 bhp and can reach 62 miles per hour from zero in under 3 seconds.
There are different Porsche Taycan tuned to offer specific advantages.
The Taycan heralds the future of an excellent electric sports car, and it is as expensive as the Porsche Panamera.
The Design
Electric cars have often come off as boring design-wise. That is why I’m taking a few lines to explore the design of the Porsche Taycan.
The first Porsche digital instrumentation was installed in this car.
About four digital displays are installed in the cabin, with a curved, free-standing 16.8-inch configurable driver display, which is massive.
The infotainment screen is a 10.9-inch screen to the right of the now digitalized instrument cluster.
Another screen is located in front of the front passenger, and the passenger can customize the infotainment system without touching the main screen.
At the center console is a portrait 8.4-inch touchpad-controlled screen that displays the powertrain’s status and advises the driver on optimal ways to use the car’s power.
The dashboard experience will not be complete without the classic Porsche clock at the top. The Taycan offers a premium interior among the best 4 door sports cars.
Porsche Exterior Designer Mitja Borkert designed the exterior, and the Mission E concept car strongly influenced the exterior design, especially the suicide doors and B pillars.
There is a retractable rear spoiler, retractable door handles, and a technologically advanced regenerative braking system.
The Taycan has the same short-nosed front proportion design as other Porsches.
The Taycan is a bit stretched towards the rear. The drivetrain layout is carefully designed to optimize every power electric motors generate. There are four-point LED daytime running lights in the front.
The short notchback-style trunk lid houses a full-width light band that serves as the taillights and turn signals and provides access to the luggage compartment. Another storage compartment is found under the hood.
The Taycan Turbo and the Taycan Turbo S come equipped with 20-inch carbon-fiber trim wheels.
4. Cadillac CT-4 Blackwing
This is among the best 4 door sports cars in America. The CT4-V Blackwing is a car derived from decades of excellent racing, and it integrates modern technology that optimizes power delivery.
The instrument cluster is a fully customizable 12-inch diagonal HD screen.
Different drive modes and advanced drive assisting features make this sports car an intelligent one that blows through the road.
The CT4-V Blackwing is built to be track-capable right from the factory. It is a car that positions itself far ahead of its predecessors, capable of reaching a top speed of 189 miles per hour.
On the open road, the CT4-V balances the raw power and the poise.
The power is generated by an engine that produces 472 hp with 445 Ib-ft of torque, and these numbers seem low compared to the sports cars discussed above.
The CT4-V, with its custom Launch control with Line Lock, can reach 60 mph from zero in 3.8 seconds.
This is partly due to the lightweight titanium-aluminide turbines that eliminate virtually turbo lag.
The CT4-V is a sports car that delivers elite performance on the road and the track. I’m so happy to announce this.
We have waited for this. The CT4-V is the only sports sedan in its segment to come equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission.
A manual transmission is what sports car enthusiasts love, and this is a unique feature among the best 4 door sports cars.
The gear lever is capped in a 3D-printed emblem that speaks of the brand’s uniqueness. If you are not a fan of the manual transmission, don’t worry.
Cadillac also offers a lightning-fast 10-speed automatic transmission, which will surely leave you wanting more from your car.
Design Philosophy
The CT4-V is a lightweight yet strong vehicle. Its rigidity doesn’t stop it from being very agile on the road, and it has a solid chassis with structural reinforcements.
The chassis is well-tuned to connect the driver to the entire car, enabling stellar performance on the road.
The CT4-V Blackwing is the performance version of the CT4-V. It has a twin-turbocharged V6 engine.
There are three interior trim levels available. Each comes standard with a carbon-fiber console and other performance-enhanced features.
Cadillac pulled out all the stops in designing this vehicle. There are high-performance front seats available with the Mulan and Opus semi-aniline leather.
It is affordable compared to the other sports cars on this list, and it costs around $60,000.
5. Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
The Charger SRT Hellcat has broken record as the most powerful four-door sedan ever offered in series production by a mainstream automotive manufacturer. This unarguably places it among the best 4 door sports cars.
The Dodge SRT hellcat comes to mind when you talk of the actual American raw-powered car.
The Hellcat uses a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that spits out an impressive 707 horsepower and 650 Ib-ft of torque.
It is an actual American sports car. It is a rear-wheel-drive vehicle with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
It climbed to 60 miles per hour from zero in 3.7 seconds. This American monster can reach a maximum speed of 204 miles per hour.
The Charger SRT Hellcat falls among the newly redesigned second-generation Dodge Charger sports car models introduced in 2015.
With such power comes increased demand for the suspension and braking system.
The handling has been tuned to help the driver maintain control of this monster on the track or road. It weighs 4575 pounds, with 54% of the weight distributed to the front. It will cost about $64,000 to purchase this vehicle.
6. Porsche Panamera Turbo S
This is the top-performance version of Porsche’s four-door sedan. The capabilities are impressive for a four-door sports car.
The Panamera combines both luxury and performance uniquely that excites sports car enthusiasts.
The Panamera Turbo S is a favorite among the best 4 door sports cars. The way it negotiates bends will leave you questioning its size.
The vehicle comes laden with luxury features to make the driver and the passengers feel at home.
The Panamera Turbo S is an exotic super sports car. The car is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4-liter V8 engine that generates 620 horsepower.
The powerful engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Porsche claims this car can reach 60 miles per hour in just 2.9 seconds. The more extended executive models are heavier and can reach 60 miles per hour in just over 3 seconds.
It comes equipped with an adjustable air suspension, massive brakes, and large tires. Driving the Porsche Panamera Turbo S is smooth.
The handling is excellent, and the steering is precise. The E Hybrid Turbo S packs even more power at 689 horsepower, and the added electric motor increases its power.
The Porsche Panamera Turbo S E Hybrid can reach speeds as high as 83 miles per hour on electric power alone. The electric range extends beyond 20 miles.
The battery pack takes about 2.5 hours to charge when plugged into 240-volt mains fully. The price of this vehicle starts at $180,000.
If you are considering a quieter or an all-electric version, check out the Porsche Taycan.
Conclusion
The best 4 door sports cars are on their way to outperforming the two-door versions.
The extra space and practicality they possess attract them to the family sports car enthusiasts.
The entire family can be taken along for the trip without ruining the fun of having a performance car under you.
These vehicles’ luxury and comfort features are the best in their class. If you want to buy one, you could spend as much as $200,000 to purchase a premium sports car.
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