Convertibles are undoubtedly some of the most exhilarating vehicles in the automotive world. They offer a unique fusion of sensations that elevate the driving adventure thanks to their ability to seamlessly blend driving thrills with an open-air experience. Since the dawn of the automobile, convertibles have consistently ranked among the classiest, fastest and most fun cars.

Technology has evolved through the years, and now convertibles span the entire automotive spectrum, from the economical and practical to the awe-inspiring sports built for performance and comfort. Those equipped with four-cylinder engines stand out as some of the cheapest convertible cars on the market. Yet, they still manage to maintain their fun-filled charm by adding the open-air experience to their lightweight and agile package.

Using market and performance data from reliable sources, including Kelly Blue Book, Edmunds, and Zero To 60 TImes, we have a compiled a list of ten thrilling 4-cylinder convertibles you'll fall in love with.

10 2017 BMW 4 Series 430i Convertible

Starting Used Price: $18,425

2017 BMW 4 series convertible
via BMW

With the introduction of the BMW 4 Series in 2014 as a two-door version of the 3 Series, enthusiasts could enjoy the driving dynamics of the iconic sedan in a sleeker package. In 2017, BMW made the biggest change to the 4-series with the introduction of new engines, including a 2-liter turbo-four deployed in the base 430i trim. It pushed 248 hp, which doesn't sound much, but the 430i made for a spirited rear-wheel-drive grad tourer. An optional retractable hard top making it a year-round convertible, and used 2017 models go for as low as $18,425 according to KBB data.

Performance Specs

Engine

2-liter turbo 4-cylinder

Power

248 hp

Torque

258 lb-ft

Curb Weight

3,610 lbs

0 - 60 MPH

5.8 seconds

Top Speed

155 mph

RELATED: 10 Best Inline-4 Engines Of All Time

9 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

Starting Used Price: $39,465

Alfa-Romeo-4C---Front-Quarter-1
Via Bring A Trailer

If you can overlook its hefty price tag and lack of comfort, the Alfa Romeo 4C provides one of the most untarnished connections between the driver and the car. The Italian automaker introduced the mid-engined sports car in 2013 as a coupe, with a Spider version debuting in 2015. A peppy 1.7-liter 4-cylinder engine compliments the 4C's lightweight package that utilizes lots of aluminum panels on the exposed carbon-fiber monocoque structure to deliver a fast, agile, and unfiltered driving experience.

Performance Specs

Engine

1.7-liter inline-4

Power

237 hp

Torque

258 lb-ft

Curb Weight

2,504 lbs

0 - 60 MPH

4.2 seconds

Top Speed

155 mph

8 2016 Audi TT Roadster

Starting Used Price: $25,950

2015 Audi TT Roadster
via Audi

The Audi TT isn't the quickest car in its class, but the small, two-seat roadster offers an irresistible blend of style, decent handling, a nicely tailored interior, and good fuel economy for a sports car. Audi unveiled the Final Edition TT in 2023 marking the end of a three generation run stretching back to 1998. The last generation debuted with the 2016 model, which bundled two turbocharged inline-four engines with Audi's all-wheel-drive Quattro system. Used Roadster examples cost between $25,950 and $30,029 according to KBB data.

Performance Specs

Engine

2-liter turbocharged inline-4

Power

220 hp

Torque

258 lb-ft

Curb Weight

3,186 lbs

0 - 60 MPH

5.4 seconds

Top Speed

155 mph

7 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster

Starting Used Price: $43,044

In some quarters, the Porsche 718 Boxster may receive bad press as a mere 911 aspiration. It deserves more respect since it embodies the quintessential Porsche essence through and through. A choice of two turbocharged 4-cylinder engines combines with sleek looks, and advanced tech grants the 718 Boxster the ability to transform mundane roads into exhilarating ribbons of driving pleasure. It isn't the cheapest convertible on the market, with used 2017 718 Boxster examples going for about $43,044.

Performance Specs

Engine

2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4

Power

350 hp

Torque

309 lb-ft

Curb Weight

2,944 lbs

0 - 60 MPH

4.3 seconds

Top Speed

178 mph

6 2015 BMW Z4 sDrive28i

Starting Used Price: $20,072

2015 BMW Z4 sDrive35i front third quarter view
Bring a Trailer

The BMW Z4 Roadster strikes a good balance between a sports car and a luxury cruiser, offering the power, handling, and feel of a sports car with the luxurious accommodations of a luxury roadster. It isn't as sporty as the Porsche Boxster or the Corvette, but both the 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder options provide plenty of turbocharged power. The sDrive28i trim pushes 240 hp from a 2-liter inline-four engine, and used 2015 examples start at $20,072.

Performance Specs

Engine

2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder

Power

240 hp

Torque

260 hp

Curb Weight

3,307 lbs

0 - 60 MPH

5.8 seconds

Top Speed

155 mph

5 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK250

Starting Used Price: $18,577

2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK250
via Mecum

The Mercedes-Benz SLK250 is one of the best used convertibles on the market. For less than $20,000, you get a premium roadster with a supple ride and a hardtop roof that makes it a comfortable all weather commuter. The base SLK250 model came with a 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine pushing 201 hp, which should suffice for most drivers.

Performance Specs

Engine

1.8-liter

Power

201 hp

Torque

229 lb-ft

Curb Weight

3,309 lbs

0 - 60 MPH

6.3 seconds

Top Speed

170 mph

4 2020 Mini Convertible John Cooper Works

Starting Used Price: $22,197

Mini Convertible on the highway
Mini

If BMW built a go-kart, it would probably come in the shape of a Mini Convertible, which they actually build. The Mini is nearly as fun as its Hardtop sibling, coming with excellent handling that makes it joyous to drive in turns and curves. Also, it features a classy interior and three engine options that blend speed, thrill and fuel efficiency. The top performing John Cooper Works trim packs a turbocharged inline-4 engine pushing 228 hp and allowing 6-second sprints to 60 mph.

Performance Specs

Engine

2-liter turbocharged inline-4

Power

228 hp

Torque

236 lb-ft

Curb Weight

3,946 lbs

0 - 60 MPH

6 seconds

Top Speed

153 mph

3 2023 Chevrolet Camaro 1LT Convertible

Starting MSRP: $34,295

2023 chevrolet_camaro_convertible
Via Edmunds

For decades, the Camaro has consistently offered enthusiasts one of the best-driving muscle cars, often out muscling more expensive sports cars in behind the wheel thrills. Even as it takes its last bow, it offers the best bang for your buck with a budget friendly MSRP of $34,295. The base trim can't lace the boots of its bigger V8-powered SS and ZL1 sibling, but it still delivers a serious punch from the turbocharged inline-4 engine, pushing a respectable 275 hp.

Performance Specs

Engine

2-liter turbocharged inline-4

Power

275 hp

Torque

295 lb-ft

Curb Weight

3,627 lbs

0 - 60 MPH

5.4 seconds

Top Speed

149 mph

2 2023 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible

Starting MSRP: $33,270

All other major muscle cars are falling all around the Mustang, which just introduced a new generation with the 2024 model. It guarantees petrol heads a few more years to enjoy the muscle car in its purest form before electrification takes over. The S550 generation goes out with one of the best performing inline-four engines in the business, with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine delivering up to 310 hp on the base coupe and convertible trims, the latter of which has a starting MSRP of $33,270.

Performance Specs

Engine

2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder

Power

310 hp

Torque

350 lb-ft

Curb Weight

3,636 lbs

0 - 60 MPH

5.2 seconds

Top Speed

145 mph

RELATED: 10 Reasons Why The Honda 2.0-liter VTEC Turbo Inline-4 Is A Unique Engine

1 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Starting MSRP: $28,050

2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Via: Mazda

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a prime example of a car that proves driving enjoyment isn't solely dependent on sheer speed and power. It has gained a reputation for being a lightweight, agile, and well-balanced sports car that prioritizes the driving experience over raw numbers. With just 181 hp, matched by a well-tuned suspension, responsive steering, and low center of gravity allows enthusiastic drivers to push it to its absolute limits without excessive speed. Also, it is one of the cheapest convertibles to buy new or used with a starting MSRP of $28,050.

Performance Specs

Engine

2-liter 4-cylinder

Power

181 hp

Torque

151 lb-ft

Curb Weight

2,341 lbs

0 - 60 MPH

5.7 seconds

Top Speed

124 mph