Quote:
Originally Posted by Maxim
Based on the nearly 200lb weight difference between the cars, and the fact that the BRZ/FR-S is RWD and will actually put the power down in 1st gear, I'd say no contest. BRZ/FR-S will probably be marginally faster in every respect except maybe top-gear acceleration. It will certainly be faster on a track, especially if you put the same tires on both cars.
On a prepared drag-strip, they'll likely be very close, but in real world conditions, where traction is more limited and road conditions aren't perfect, the RWD layout is going to give a massive advantage to the BRZ/FR-S off the line. I've got a high-powered FWD car....launching it is a huge pain in the ass.
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If by "track" you mean Drag Strip, Auto X or Drifting then you are right. The BRZ.FR-S will have a RWD advantage. However, for everyday driving and/or Road race track use or time trials there will be no such advantage. For realitively low horsepower cars (under approximately 300HP) FWD is just as viable as RWD. As evidence I offer World GT racing, Continental Tire racing, British Touring Car Championship and Grand AM ST racing. In each case FWD won their respective Championships.
For everyday driving, for the average or slightly above average driver, FWD is superior due to better all weather traction.
I grew up and learned to drive in a time when the only front wheel drive cars were "Elder"ados. Toronados and some "quirky" foreign cars. I had nothing but contempt for FWD "performance" cars through much of my life. That changed when I drove a Scirroco and owned a Integra GSR. I still prefer RWD in my sporty cars but there is no arguing that FWD makes more sense for a street car than RWD above the snowbelt. Can you get through a winter with RWD? Sure. I did it for over 30 years. But it is easier if you own a FWD for those really bad days.
The Civic is a solid, direct competitior to the FT86 models for most American drivers IMO. Even the ones that want a "sporty" car.