13 JDM Cars With the Most Legendary Engines

If you’re a fan of Japanese cars, you know that some of the most iconic vehicles come with engines that have made a lasting impact in the automotive world. We’ll highlight 13 JDM cars that not only excel in performance but also feature engines that enthusiasts love to celebrate. These machines embody a blend of innovation, power, and engineering excellence, making them legends in their own right.

From high-revving marvels to turbocharged beasts, these legendary engines have shaped the streets and tracks alike. You’ll discover why these cars have captured the hearts of drivers and collectors around the globe, showcasing what makes JDM engineering truly special.

Toyota Supra with 2JZ-GTE Engine

Sleek red Toyota Supra sports car on an open road. — Image Credit: Alexander-93, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons.

The Toyota Supra, especially the Mk4, is famous for its powerful 2JZ-GTE engine. This inline-six engine boasts a 3.0-liter displacement and twin turbochargers, producing around 276 horsepower and 318 lb-ft of torque.

What makes it legendary is its tuning potential. Many enthusiasts have pushed the 2JZ-GTE to over 1,000 horsepower with the right modifications.

Additionally, its robust design makes it highly reliable, earning a dedicated following among car enthusiasts. The Supra is not just a car; it symbolizes performance and engineering excellence in the JDM scene.

Nissan Skyline GT-R with RB26DETT Engine

Sleek Nissan Skyline GT-R, iconic Japanese sports car in motion. — Image Credit: MB-one, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

The Nissan Skyline GT-R is legendary for its performance, largely thanks to the RB26DETT engine. This powerhouse produces 276 hp from its 2.6-liter twin-turbo inline-six.

You’ll find this engine in the R32, R33, and R34 models. It’s known for its robust build and incredible tuning potential.

Many enthusiasts have pushed these engines well beyond their stock numbers, showcasing their resilience. The RB26DETT offers a perfect blend of speed and reliability, making it a fan favorite in the JDM community.

Mazda RX-7 with 13B-REW Engine

Sleek red Mazda RX-7, classic Japanese sports car, rotary engine. — Image Credit: Calreyn88, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons.

The Mazda RX-7 is famous for its lightweight design and agile handling. At its core, the RX-7 features the iconic 13B-REW engine, a compact rotary powerhouse. This engine produces around 280 horsepower from just 1.3 liters, showcasing incredible efficiency.

You’ll find the 13B-REW in the RX-7 FD, which hit the streets in 1992. This model was notable for its sequential turbocharging, enhancing performance significantly. With a 0-60 mph time of approximately 5.7 seconds, it was a standout in its class.

More than 800,000 RX-7s were manufactured over its production run, making it a true JDM legend. If you crave a blend of performance and style, the RX-7 with the 13B-REW delivers.

Honda NSX with C32B Engine

Image Credit: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons.

The Honda NSX with the C32B engine is a real gem in the JDM world. Introduced in 1997, this engine kicked up the power to 290 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, making it a thrill to drive.

With a 3.2-liter V6, this engine gave the NSX impressive acceleration. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in just over five seconds, blending performance and reliability.

The C32B not only enhanced speed but also provided a smooth driving experience. You’d appreciate how it complements the NSX’s lightweight design, offering great handling and agility on the road. This car truly stands out in the performance arena.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution with 4G63T Engine

Silver Mitsubishi Lancer parked on a sunny street, clean and sporty. — Image Credit: Alexander-93, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, known for its iconic rally heritage, proudly features the 4G63T engine. This turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder powerhouse delivers around 247 PS (244 hp) at 6,000 rpm and 309 N⋅m (228 lb⋅ft) of torque at 3,000 rpm.

From 1992 to 2007, this engine powered multiple Evo generations, making it a favorite among enthusiasts. Its reliability and performance made it a beloved choice for tuning and motorsport. You’ll find that the 4G63T’s balance of power and handling truly stands out in the JDM scene.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI with EJ20 engine

Blue Subaru Impreza WRX STI parked, iconic rally car. — Image Credit: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons.

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI powered by the EJ20 engine is a true icon in the JDM world. With a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer engine, it delivers around 280 horsepower and 274 lb-ft of torque.

This setup gives you impressive acceleration and dynamic handling, perfect for both street and track driving. The EJ20 engine is known for its low center of gravity, enhancing the car’s stability.

You’ll also appreciate the legendary rally heritage that comes with this model. It’s a car built for enthusiasts who value performance and driving engagement. Whether you’re a fan of the classic or newer models, the WRX STI remains a top choice.

Nissan Fairlady Z with VQ35DE Engine

Sleek Nissan Fairlady Z sports car parked on a sunny street. — Image Credit: TTTNIS, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons.

The Nissan Fairlady Z is known for its impressive VQ35DE engine. This 3.5-liter V6 packs a punch with 287 horsepower and 274 lb-ft of torque.

You’ll appreciate its smooth power delivery and sporty feel, making it a joy to drive.

This engine helps the Fairlady Z accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.6 seconds.

Whether you’re on the track or cruising, the VQ35DE engine offers a thrilling experience you’d love.

Honda Civic Type R with K20A Engine

Jet blue Honda Civic Type R parked, showcasing its sporty design — Image Credit: Alexander-93, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons.

The Honda Civic Type R with the K20A engine is a fan favorite. This powerhouse features a 2.0-liter inline-four engine that delivers 225 horsepower.

You’ll love the high-revving nature of this engine, which hits its peak power at 8,000 RPM. The notable response and tuning make it a blast to drive on both the street and the track.

With its lightweight chassis, the Civic Type R offers excellent handling, making it a top choice for JDM enthusiasts. The combination of power and agility ensures an engaging driving experience that many still rave about today.

Toyota Chaser with 1JZ-GTE Engine

Sleek, JDM Toyota Chaser parked, showcasing classic 90s styling — Image Credit: TTTNIS, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons.

The Toyota Chaser, especially the Tourer V model, is a real gem for JDM enthusiasts. It comes equipped with the 1JZ-GTE engine, a 2.5-liter inline-six twin-turbo powerhouse.

This engine is renowned for its tunability and durability. You can easily push it to over 400 horsepower with the right modifications.

Many owners appreciate the Chaser for its balance and handling, making it a thrill on the road. Plus, the design stands out with its sleek lines and sporty appearance. Whether you’re drifting or just cruising, the Chaser with a 1JZ-GTE engine is a ride to remember.

Mazda MX-5 Miata with BP-4W Engine

Mazda MX-5 Miata convertible, top down, driving on sunny road — Image Credit: Vauxford, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata equipped with the BP-4W engine is a popular choice among enthusiasts. This engine produces about 140 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque. It features a high-flowing head and an improved intake manifold for better performance.

You’ll find this engine in the 1999 to 2005 Miata models. Its lightweight design and responsive handling make it a joy to drive.

With a focus on balance and agility, the Miata delivers an engaging driving experience that’s hard to match. Whether you’re on the road or hitting the track, the BP-4W engine adds to the excitement.

Nissan Silvia with SR20DET Engine

Sleek Nissan Silvia, iconic Japanese sports car, modified for drift — Image Credit: 天然ガス, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons.

The Nissan Silvia is a classic in the JDM scene, especially known for its SR20DET engine. This 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four produces around 200 horsepower, making it a solid choice for tuners.

You’ll find this engine in different Silvia models, like the S13 and S14. The SR20DET is praised for its reliability and tuning potential, often pushing well over 300 horsepower with the right modifications.

With its friendly chassis and responsive handling, the Silvia is a blast to drive. It’s no wonder this combo has earned legendary status among car enthusiasts worldwide.

Honda S2000 with F20C Engine

Sleek Honda S2000 roadster, top down, iconic sports car. — Image Credit: Alexander-93, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons.

The Honda S2000 features the impressive F20C engine, known for its high revving capabilities. This 2.0-liter, four-cylinder beast produces 237 horsepower at 8,300 RPM.

You can really feel the power when you push the throttle. With a redline at 9,000 RPM, it offers a thrilling driving experience.

The engine’s design emphasizes a high specific power output, making it one of the best naturally aspirated engines in production history. If you love responsive handling and thrilling speed, the S2000 with the F20C engine is a dream come true.

Toyota Celica GT-Four with 3S-GTE Engine

Red Toyota Celica GT-Four rally car, parked on gravel. — Image Credit: TKOIII, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons.

The Toyota Celica GT-Four is a standout in the world of JDM cars, especially due to its impressive 3S-GTE engine. This turbocharged 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder engine produces around 252 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque.

Introduced in 1986, the Celica GT-Four quickly became famous in motorsports. It showcased its capabilities by dominating the World Rally Championship in the late ’90s. With its all-wheel drive and lightweight build, it offers an exhilarating driving experience.

Whether you’re a fan of classic rally cars or simply appreciate automotive history, the GT-Four has a legendary status that’s hard to ignore. Check out more about this iconic car on Wikipedia.

Steel Horse Rides