Is there such a thing as a FWD (front-wheel drive) sportscar? - Page 2 - LotusTalk

meat · 11-13-2006, 12:13 PM

The Type R has often been called the best handling FWD car in the world. So, I'll vote yes.

PhlypSide · 11-13-2006, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw1

Oops! my bad, I thought this was the "can sedans be sports cars also?" thread and voted yes where I should have voted H#ll no!...sorry

No biggie. BMW for the win. I love the advertisements they have in print... I wish I had links to them, e.g. the picture of the rabbit with big front legs and puny rear ones LOL!

Here's our take on this subject:

khoerling · 11-13-2006, 01:05 PM

Let's not forget front-wheel drive cars with mid-ship transmissions.

PhlypSide · 11-13-2006, 01:15 PM

Sorry, but ?QUE?

FWD + Mid-ship transmission? What is that? Most FWD cars have engines which are transversely mounted, the transmission is literally *right there*.

xxxotic · 11-13-2006, 01:56 PM

Now if we say that all wheel drive cars are sportcars (Audi Quattro, etc) how much do you want to bet that someone will say that their lowered 4X4 is a sportscar?

What about a Ford Lightning

Didnt GMC make a 4wd small Blazer about 10 years ago that had great acceraltion and goodhandling and was lowered? I think it was called a Typhoon or something like that. Had better acceraltion and handling than a lot of cars

sonza68 · 11-13-2006, 02:06 PM

Yup, they also had a pickup version (S10 based) called the Syclone.

PhlypSide · 11-13-2006, 02:09 PM

xxxotic: Lamborghini Diablo VT, Lamborghini Gallardo, Lamborghini Murcielago, Bugatti Veyron.... they're all AWD and very much so sports cars.

The GMC trucks you're thinking of are the Sy/Ty twins (Syclone, GMC S10 based, and the Typhoon GMC Jimmy based). Same(?) motor as the turbo G-body cars (Buick GN, Regal T-Type, GNX) and the awesome 25th Anniversary Turbo Trans-Am. Sadly none of these are sportscars for purposes of this discussion, but much more sportscars than FWD "sporty" cars are.

MikeRoberts44 · 11-13-2006, 02:19 PM

I went to SCCA driver's school in an 850 Austin Mini in the 60s. It was not very fast, but kept up with Sprites and Spitfires. The 1275 Mini Cooper could kick some serious sports car tail. As I recall, there were a couple in the 2005 SCCA Runoffs in Topeka.

zr1fan · 11-27-2006, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhlypSide

Would this imply that you could remove the rear wheels in cornering and it would have no effect on the car? If that's not the case, your checklist is wrong.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhlypSide

The GMC trucks you're thinking of are the Sy/Ty twins (Syclone, GMC S10 based, and the Typhoon GMC Jimmy based). Same(?) motor as the turbo G-body cars (Buick GN, Regal T-Type, GNX) and the awesome 25th Anniversary Turbo Trans-Am. Sadly none of these are sportscars for purposes of this discussion, but much more sportscars than FWD "sporty" cars are.

The Syclone and Typhoon did not share an engine with the GN/T-type/GNX, nor with the Turbo T/A. The Sy/Ty's have a 4.3L turbo V6. While the general specss are similar between it and the 3.8L Buick turbo V6, they aren't based on the same design.

Also, you don't think the 1989 Turbo T/A was a sports car? It's a car based on speed, handling, and affordability over comfort, practicality, or refinement. What's it take to be a sports car, an exotic badge or a big pricetag?

Rei · 11-27-2006, 01:50 PM

I vote Hell No, Sorry not a big fan of the FWD layout too much understeer for my taste and well the line is just not as good as a RWD midship when it comes to cornering. And come on as little kids we learned that FWD is no fun riding on tri-cycles.

Now if the question is a FWD "sporty" then that would be a yes. But since it's if a FWD is a sports car my answer would still have to be no.

PhlypSide · 11-27-2006, 01:53 PM

zr1:

About the checklist? It's humor

Of course those FWD cars need their rear wheels, what else would hold up the groceries in the trunk?

Thanks for the correction on the Turbo G-body versus Sy/Ty powertrain stuff, anyone ever squeeze the 4.3L into the G-bodies? *interesting*

The T/A is a hot ride, but I don't think it's a sportscar, it's more of a ponycar/muscle car to me, or an American GT (back seats).

zr1fan · 11-28-2006, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhlypSide

Thanks for the correction on the Turbo G-body versus Sy/Ty powertrain stuff, anyone ever squeeze the 4.3L into the G-bodies? *interesting*

Not that I know of, but I wouldn't necessarily know. I suspect the Buick 3.8L has a much bigger aftermarket than the Vortec 4.3L motor.

A ponycar that can handle isn't a sports car? I guess what's a sports car then?

I wouldn't call the Turbo T/A a musclecar. I always think of musclecars as big sedans that also have huge motors. The T/A has a horrible back seat and a pretty small trunk. The GN's were definitely musclecars.

PhlypSide · 11-28-2006, 09:13 AM

zr1fan:

Along those lines I'd say the 25th Anniv. T/A is a GT then (as it's got backseats), but even though they're musclecars I've also seen pictures of GN's set up to road race (awesome).

smoseley · 11-28-2006, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P90Puma

M100 Elan...

... is the reason I voted "no" instead of "hell no". It does kind of gray the lines a bit, but it's unique, and was a complete failure. (coincidence?) It's kind of like using the International CXT to prove that semi-trucks can be considered SUVs, imo.

khoerling · 11-28-2006, 12:59 PM

Although rare, mid-ship FWD transmissions enable a better weight distribution by mounting the engine longitudinally behind the front axles. Another benefit is reduced torque steer.

The Acura Legend is one example of this.

k.

PhlypSide · 11-28-2006, 01:33 PM

66 to 43 say: No (the majority of which say "Hell No"). Did I mention that I love Elisetalk?

QuickSilver · 11-28-2006, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhlypSide

I'm going with a helll no

I would have to say yes - based on the generally accepted definition of a sports car - two seat car, designed as a soft top, for the fun of driving....... They have existed.

I don't want to resurrect that thread again.......otherwise things could get out of hand..............

bhtooefr · 12-03-2006, 02:57 PM

I'd say yes.

Simply because of the M100.

SimonMExS · 12-03-2006, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by transio

... is the reason I voted "no" instead of "hell no". It does kind of gray the lines a bit, but it's unique, and was a complete failure. (coincidence?) It's kind of like using the International CXT to prove that semi-trucks can be considered SUVs, imo.

Perfect, my sentiments exactly.

Evlise · 12-03-2006, 06:48 PM

In 1956 SAAB made 6 prototype cars called the Sonett. The Sonett had an aluminum chassis, a fiberglass body, and no roof. The car weighed 1100 pounds. The drivetrain layout was front drive with the engine behind the transaxle. SAAB had the 2 stroke engine run the opposite direction compared to the production cars with the engine in front of the transaxle. A 2 stroke engine can be run in either direction. From 1966-1974 SAAB produced the Sonett as a production car which was completely different. Just a little history on an interesting car. I will leave it up to your oppinion if you want to call any Sonett a sportscar.

View Poll Results: Can Front-wheel Drive cars be sportscars?
Yes	137	44.63%
No	64	20.85%
H#ll no!	106	34.53%
Voters: 307. You may not vote on this poll

11-13-2006, 01:05 PM	#23 (permalink)
khoerling Shiznazzler Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: "The O.C." Posts: 96	Let's not forget front-wheel drive cars with mid-ship transmissions. __________________ "The performance handling machines..."

11-27-2006, 01:50 PM	#30 (permalink)
Rei Lotus/TRD Geek Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond WA Posts: 517	I vote Hell No, Sorry not a big fan of the FWD layout too much understeer for my taste and well the line is just not as good as a RWD midship when it comes to cornering. And come on as little kids we learned that FWD is no fun riding on tri-cycles. Now if the question is a FWD "sporty" then that would be a yes. But since it's if a FWD is a sports car my answer would still have to be no. __________________ Kids in the Back seat causes Accidents Accidents in the Back Seat causes Kids Moral Stick with a Two Seater

11-28-2006, 12:59 PM	#35 (permalink)
khoerling Shiznazzler Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: "The O.C." Posts: 96	Although rare, mid-ship FWD transmissions enable a better weight distribution by mounting the engine longitudinally behind the front axles. Another benefit is reduced torque steer. The Acura Legend is one example of this. k. __________________ "The performance handling machines..."

12-03-2006, 02:57 PM	#38 (permalink)
bhtooefr Knows how to jack a car Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 387	I'd say yes. Simply because of the M100. __________________ 1992 Mazda Miata (FINALLY, a sports car!) A couple of old Mk2 VW diesel parts cars

11-13-2006, 12:13 PM	#21 (permalink)
meat Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,172	The Type R has often been called the best handling FWD car in the world. So, I'll vote yes.

11-13-2006, 01:15 PM	#24 (permalink)
PhlypSide My Lotus hates my bike. Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 3,643 Images: 9	Sorry, but ?QUE? FWD + Mid-ship transmission? What is that? Most FWD cars have engines which are transversely mounted, the transmission is literally right there.

11-13-2006, 01:56 PM	#25 (permalink)
xxxotic Dude, There's My Car Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida Posts: 1,918	Now if we say that all wheel drive cars are sportcars (Audi Quattro, etc) how much do you want to bet that someone will say that their lowered 4X4 is a sportscar? What about a Ford Lightning Didnt GMC make a 4wd small Blazer about 10 years ago that had great acceraltion and goodhandling and was lowered? I think it was called a Typhoon or something like that. Had better acceraltion and handling than a lot of cars

11-13-2006, 02:09 PM	#27 (permalink)
PhlypSide My Lotus hates my bike. Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 3,643 Images: 9	xxxotic: Lamborghini Diablo VT, Lamborghini Gallardo, Lamborghini Murcielago, Bugatti Veyron.... they're all AWD and very much so sports cars. The GMC trucks you're thinking of are the Sy/Ty twins (Syclone, GMC S10 based, and the Typhoon GMC Jimmy based). Same(?) motor as the turbo G-body cars (Buick GN, Regal T-Type, GNX) and the awesome 25th Anniversary Turbo Trans-Am. Sadly none of these are sportscars for purposes of this discussion, but much more sportscars than FWD "sporty" cars are.

11-13-2006, 02:19 PM	#28 (permalink)
MikeRoberts44 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Kansas City Posts: 505	I went to SCCA driver's school in an 850 Austin Mini in the 60s. It was not very fast, but kept up with Sprites and Spitfires. The 1275 Mini Cooper could kick some serious sports car tail. As I recall, there were a couple in the 2005 SCCA Runoffs in Topeka.

11-27-2006, 01:53 PM	#31 (permalink)
PhlypSide My Lotus hates my bike. Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 3,643 Images: 9	zr1: About the checklist? It's humor Of course those FWD cars need their rear wheels, what else would hold up the groceries in the trunk? Thanks for the correction on the Turbo G-body versus Sy/Ty powertrain stuff, anyone ever squeeze the 4.3L into the G-bodies? interesting The T/A is a hot ride, but I don't think it's a sportscar, it's more of a ponycar/muscle car to me, or an American GT (back seats).

11-28-2006, 09:13 AM	#33 (permalink)
PhlypSide My Lotus hates my bike. Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 3,643 Images: 9	zr1fan: Along those lines I'd say the 25th Anniv. T/A is a GT then (as it's got backseats), but even though they're musclecars I've also seen pictures of GN's set up to road race (awesome).

11-28-2006, 01:33 PM	#36 (permalink)
PhlypSide My Lotus hates my bike. Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 3,643 Images: 9	66 to 43 say: No (the majority of which say "Hell No"). Did I mention that I love Elisetalk?

12-03-2006, 06:48 PM	#40 (permalink)
Evlise Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 16	In 1956 SAAB made 6 prototype cars called the Sonett. The Sonett had an aluminum chassis, a fiberglass body, and no roof. The car weighed 1100 pounds. The drivetrain layout was front drive with the engine behind the transaxle. SAAB had the 2 stroke engine run the opposite direction compared to the production cars with the engine in front of the transaxle. A 2 stroke engine can be run in either direction. From 1966-1974 SAAB produced the Sonett as a production car which was completely different. Just a little history on an interesting car. I will leave it up to your oppinion if you want to call any Sonett a sportscar.

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