FWD cars that should have been RWD

[Polyal]

Cast aside cost, merits of drive train location etc, talking just engineering and enjoyment of driving here.

Since picking up my Accord I cant help but think how sweet this thing would be if it was RWD.

Dont get me wrong, FWD has its advantages but it also got me thinking of other cars that seem a wasted opportunity to not be RWD.

Alfa Romeo 156 GTA - amazing engine, to me good looks etc

Lancia Fulva Coupe - gorgeous little sports car aimed at the Alfa 105 series and shocked me when I found out it was FWD

Im sure there are plenty of others too, its not all about mad skidz just a more balanced feel (IMO).

[Franco Cozzo]

Cadillac Seville SLS/STS - FWD 4.4L V8 car.

Not so common but you see them pop up on carsales from time to time, very strange concept.

Like a decade ago there were heaps coming out of Japan cheap as chips.

What about a RWD car that has a nugget engine? Toyota 86 comes to mind, ticks all the boxes except for wet lettuce leaf under the bonnet, its like being Chris Hemsworth with no johnson

[Bossxr8]

Alfa's have no business being FWD.

Celica should have stayed RWD too.

[kypez]

The new Mini would've been cool if it stayed RWD. With EVs coming, they have a change to return to their roots.

[Vesper Martini]

Originally Posted by kypez

The new Mini would've been cool if it stayed RWD. With EVs coming, they have a change to return to their roots.

Stayed RWD??? when did they make a RWD Mini?

Mini is the epitome of FWD, handbrake turns whilst racing etc

[Vesper Martini]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Celica should have stayed RWD too.

Celica's seem to keep changing every generation at one stage they were pretty much a Supra, then I think Toyota needed an AWD for world Rally so the Celica became it.
The last 7th Gen was an embarrassment. cheaper built car FWD only and no Turbo

[EBSXR6]

Honda Legend.

The overpriced Mondeo, Jaguar X-Type.

[Franco Cozzo]

What about the BMW 1 series, they originally refused to do FWD cars then all of a sudden the 1 series became FWD.

[XRFutura]

For a laugh I'm going to say the TRD Aurion

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by XRFutura

For a laugh I'm going to say the TRD Aurion

I wouldnt laugh. i reckon thats a good one.
Imagine if they made a turbo V6/V8 RWD camry.
If i were in the market id consider it. I like the new camry

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by DJM83

I wouldnt laugh. i reckon thats a good one.
Imagine if they made a turbo V6/V8 RWD camry.
If i were in the market id consider it. I like the new camry

JZS171 Toyota Crown - its basically a RWD Camry with a VVTI 1JZGTE

The newer models have NA V6 or NA V8 engines.

Of course it was never sold in Australia, but import values have risen by 100-150% in COVID times.

[minheim]

I wonder how the 1989/1994 series Ford capris would have fared if it had been RWD like the mazda mx5.

[EBSXR6]

If SUV's are included Toyota Kluger. There is an AWD option.

[XR Martin]

TE onwards Magna and 380.

[Bluehoon]

Originally Posted by XR Martin

TE onwards Magna and 380.

Amen.

TJ VR-X Manga with the 3.5 V6 and a 6 speed manual.

To this day those magna's with the side mirrors and frame less B pillars still look good. That V6, heaven that only got better with rpm..

[CyberWasp]

All of them.

[MrEL]

Originally Posted by Vesper Martini

Stayed RWD??? when did they make a RWD Mini?

Mini is the epitome of FWD, handbrake turns whilst racing etc

Maccas trays under the back wheels , handbrake locked on and helicopter city!

[b0son]

The thing is that a really good FWD doesnt make you wish it was a RWD. You can still provoke oversteer, it's just that it's done with a bit more finesse than mashing the throttle.

[jpd80]

CD4 Taurus, basically should have been RWD next generation CD6 Falcon for all the good it did in China
I would love to know how much money was flushed away with that development….

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by b0son

The thing is that a really good FWD doesnt make you wish it was a RWD. You can still provoke oversteer, it's just that it's done with a bit more finesse than mashing the throttle.

Disconnecting the front anti sway bar used to help

[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by jpd80

CD4 Taurus, basically should have been RWD next generation CD6 Falcon for all the good it did in China
I would love to know how much money was flushed away with that development….

Also include the third gen Taurus.
Cost 5 times what the EF Falcon cost and was a worse car in nearly every aspect.

[Dr Smith]

Transit Custom should be RWD now...so we can get grip when towing

[LG17]

Oldsmobile Toronado

[blue sleeper]

Mitsubishi FTO it's a great little car with a fun engine, it would have been a banger as RWD.

[EBSXR6]

Cordia Turbo.

[Polyal]

One can only assume the GR86 is the "sorry" for the last few Celica's although the GT4's are a standout (obviously AWD) and the old RWD ones are very cool.

Seems during the 70/80's many went from RWD to FWD, perhaps cost at the time...

Good call on BMW doing a backflip on the 1 series, those little 1 series with a 6pot will be sort after soon enough, if not already.

FWD has its place, and in hot hatches its a hoot but once you get to medium size you have to wonder.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by b0son

The thing is that a really good FWD doesnt make you wish it was a RWD. You can still provoke oversteer, it's just that it's done with a bit more finesse than mashing the throttle.

I agree with this.
Having had an XR5 Turbo and an ST, barrel of fun they were.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by DJM83

I agree with this.
Having had an XR5 Turbo and an ST, barrel of fun they were.

Agreed,otherwise I wouldnt have got mine (IS200 Altezza was next in line).

Point wasnt to bag out FWD at all, assumed I wasnt the only one with the same thought.

[Vesper Martini]

Originally Posted by Polyal

One can only assume the GR86 is the "sorry" for the last few Celica's although the GT4's are a standout (obviously AWD) and the old RWD ones are very cool.

As an previous owner of both I can attest to that, there was talk of another gen Celica but many said the 86 has that covered so you could be correct.

Those negative about the 86 really have No idea of its purpose, we should be grateful to have them on our roads.
I can't think of a better 1st car to purchase for a young car enthusiast

[XRFutura]

Ford Mondeo ST220, mid-sized RWD with its pokie V6 would have been sweet.