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
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 |
9 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
Starting Used Price: $39,465
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
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
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
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
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
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 |
1 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Starting MSRP: $28,050
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 |