How much power can a FWD car have?
Discussion
Axionknight said:
V8RX7 said:
It can have as much as you can afford.
But trying to make a fast exit from an uphill T junction I can tell you that even a mere 180bhp can't be deployed by a Leon Cupra.
That's because it's a crap car.But trying to make a fast exit from an uphill T junction I can tell you that even a mere 180bhp can't be deployed by a Leon Cupra.
But yes, as are 99% of FWD cars.
The problem being that there aren't many RWD cars around these days, combined with the vast majority of new cars being dull due to both their weight and design.
I drive a 9-5 HOT Aero and it CAN torque steer like a good un. The torque is limited in first and second because the wheels spin easily, especially when damp. However, when moving and accelerating hard, the thing is epic for such a big car and mine hasn't been remapped yet!
I'd have to say that after its map to stage 1 (275bhp and 440nm) I think that would be a sensible limit. The remap should hopefully give it some go at lower revs, as it is a little slow to pick up. Thing with that car is, you hit 90mph in third and change to fourth gear and there is a massive wave of torque and it just keeps pulling hard.
I'd have to say that after its map to stage 1 (275bhp and 440nm) I think that would be a sensible limit. The remap should hopefully give it some go at lower revs, as it is a little slow to pick up. Thing with that car is, you hit 90mph in third and change to fourth gear and there is a massive wave of torque and it just keeps pulling hard.
I've had a number of powerful FWD cars.
All depends on the car (weight/gearing/power delivery/diff)
250 seemed adequate for first 2-3 gears in 147gta but then it felt a little gutless truth be told...
420 in the focus RS was bonkers and too much for first 2 gears but fine for rest (only in dry)
A LSD over 250 is a must and pilot super sports or something similar...
A guy I know has his focus RS in for 1000bhp, don't worry it will only be FWD for a few months until winter
All depends on the car (weight/gearing/power delivery/diff)
250 seemed adequate for first 2-3 gears in 147gta but then it felt a little gutless truth be told...
420 in the focus RS was bonkers and too much for first 2 gears but fine for rest (only in dry)
A LSD over 250 is a must and pilot super sports or something similar...
A guy I know has his focus RS in for 1000bhp, don't worry it will only be FWD for a few months until winter
The problem isn't really bhp but torque. My k20 dc2 (Integra with a modified newer shape civic type r engine for non honda geeks) had maybe 240-250bhp, a propper plated LSD and had absolutely no problem putting every bit of power to the ground. It could maintain traction through first and second gear unless you deliberately provoked wheelspin by being agressive with the clutch.
From what I've read Rotrex supercharged Hondas even in the 4-500 bhp range dont really have traction problems either due to the way the power builds more gradually than say a turbo 400bhp.
Ive also had a front wheel drive Nissan sunny GTi with a GTiR engine that was making maybe 350-370 bhp (again with a proper plated LSD) that could break traction in 5th gear at 100mph by simply flooring the go pedal.
I deffinately think there is more to the equation than bhp alone...RPM helps a lot
From what I've read Rotrex supercharged Hondas even in the 4-500 bhp range dont really have traction problems either due to the way the power builds more gradually than say a turbo 400bhp.
Ive also had a front wheel drive Nissan sunny GTi with a GTiR engine that was making maybe 350-370 bhp (again with a proper plated LSD) that could break traction in 5th gear at 100mph by simply flooring the go pedal.
I deffinately think there is more to the equation than bhp alone...RPM helps a lot
kapiteinlangzaam said:
gamefreaks said:
Corbeliere said:
My missus has a V70 2.4 petrol turbo which is BSR tuned. It's about 252BHP with 410Nm torque. To be honest, that's about all I would consider as if you floor it from a stand it simply spins the wheels. On the move it's a different story though, it really does get a move on.
I had a vanilla P2 T5. (250bhp IIRC)If you planted your foot, the traction control light would be flickering all the way through 1st, 2nd and 3rd all the way up to about 90mph. (allegedly!)
It certainly had 'adequate' power for the drivetrain!
It had decent tyres, but in anything other than bone dry conditions it would spin up the wheels in 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Bloody good fun for an anonymous dog wagon.
Fun maybe? but not really getting the most out of the engine. Shame because for such old/huge cars they went around corners OK.
My old turbocharged Astra had about 370bhp through the front wheels with a Quaife LSD and it handled the power well.
Took it up to about 280-300 without the LSD before it started to really struggle with traction.
People moan about torque steer in FWD cars but quite like it, adds some excitement to the drive IMO.
Took it up to about 280-300 without the LSD before it started to really struggle with traction.
People moan about torque steer in FWD cars but quite like it, adds some excitement to the drive IMO.
The current R.S Meganes handle very well with 250-275HP.
Fast FWD cars need to be driven smoothly, they don't react so well to stabbing the throttle, you need to feed it in, but once you're going there's no issues. My 250 has been great in the wet too.
It doesn't quite have the finesse of a RWD car out of tight bends, but it's fun in other ways.
Fast FWD cars need to be driven smoothly, they don't react so well to stabbing the throttle, you need to feed it in, but once you're going there's no issues. My 250 has been great in the wet too.
It doesn't quite have the finesse of a RWD car out of tight bends, but it's fun in other ways.
PorkFan said:
The problem isn't really bhp but torque.
I'm inclined to agree but would add that throttle control is essential. It does nark me off when people make statements like 200hp/250/300 is too much because you can spin the wheels. It's such rubbish that people blame the car for their own lack of self control.
FYI PorkFan , I've survived many laps in a 360hp K20 rotrexed EP3 with Kaaz diff and Yoko AD08s , rain or shine it puts down a staggering amount of power.
aka_kerrly said:
PorkFan said:
The problem isn't really bhp but torque.
I'm inclined to agree but would add that throttle control is essential. It does nark me off when people make statements like 200hp/250/300 is too much because you can spin the wheels. It's such rubbish that people blame the car for their own lack of self control.
FYI PorkFan , I've survived many laps in a 360hp K20 rotrexed EP3 with Kaaz diff and Yoko AD08s , rain or shine it puts down a staggering amount of power.
Currently have 425bhp/433lbft in a 20 year old VW with a Quaife. The hairiness just adds to the fun Launching from a standstill is a no go, but I had it built to make my M25 commute more fun. I have since bought a diesel for winter and poor weather duties as traction can be an issue.
aka_kerrly said:
PorkFan said:
The problem isn't really bhp but torque.
I'm inclined to agree but would add that throttle control is essential. It does nark me off when people make statements like 200hp/250/300 is too much because you can spin the wheels. It's such rubbish that people blame the car for their own lack of self control.
FYI PorkFan , I've survived many laps in a 360hp K20 rotrexed EP3 with Kaaz diff and Yoko AD08s , rain or shine it puts down a staggering amount of power.
When the driver then spins the wheels, it means that the driver is failing to compensate for a limitation of the car. It doesn't mean that the car's limitation no longer exists.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff