In the following code you could add a class specifically based on the position in the loop:
<?php
/* Start the Loop */
$i = 1;
$class="first-class";
while ( have_posts() ) : the_post();
if($i % 4 == 0){
$class="second-class-".+$i;
}
echo '<div class="'.$class.'">'
get_template_part( 'template-parts/content', get_post_format() );
echo '</div>'
$i++;
endwhile;
?>
This is essentially a wrapper – it does not have to be a div, it could be a span – but it will count through the loop and change the wrapper class based on if the count in the loop is greater than 3 (first 4 posts 0-3). You then base your CSS off the wrapper class for greater specificity.