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Originally Posted by transio
Actually, there is, and part of that definition is "RWD". Of course, I think the definition predates the M100 Elan, so  |
Can't agree with that. First, show me where the definition of a sportcars, whatever that is, is universally accepted as true by all in the world. Its too subjective an issue for there to exist one definition as evidenced by the opinions expressed in this thread.
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Originally Posted by transio
Well, the fact of the matter is that the dynamics of FWD inhibit the sport of driving. While a safer setup for novice drivers, FWD decreases the ability of the car by shifting the weight away from the driving wheels during acceleration, and eliminating the ability for controlled oversteer, both of which are beneficial to driving on a road course. Therefore, a FWD car is inately less able than it could be if it were RWD.
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This is where the falacies begin. I would agree that few, if any, hade developed a true sportscar with FWD for all of the problems mentioned above. Now, imagine if you will, a master car engineer that one day designs a FWD car that absolutely eliminates ALL of the above mentioned issues. Truly and completely. Now, would you say then its not a sportscar? I'm not saying the Elan did that. But, imagine a car being built that did.
Now, imagin a FWD car that eliminated 90% of those problems. Is that a sportscar? What about 80%? Where do you draw the line? RWD cars are not without their problems too you know. If you've driven the M100 Elan for any length of time or taken it on the track you'd probably feel that its eliminated 90% + of the FWD issues.
Smells like sportscar to me.
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Originally Posted by transio
For this reason, there has never existed a single FWD sportscar.
Until the M100 Elan.
Which didn't last long.
Which is why we have to assume that it was a fluke and discount its importance.
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Lots of cars aren't being produced anymore. Doesn't mean they were flukes. The Elan was in production from 1989 to about 1995 I think. Its cost to produce as the reason it died. Not performance or lack of being a real sportscar.