The most fun FWD cars?

[300bhp/ton]

Doesn't have to be the fastest, or the best handling, or even the best looking. But what would you claim as the most fun and rewarding FWD cars?


Would a Mini Cooper still be in the runnings, or is it well and truly beat from a thrills point of view?

[300bhp/ton]

Leins said:

Frequently dismissed, but I'm a big fan of the R53 Minis. Supercharger whine is addictive, and the speed these things can carry over B-roads is impressive. Love driving mine

I do like these, although I wonder if they would actually be more 'fun' than a classic Mini?

I know the R53 is obviously a nicer place to sit, and dynamically it's a better car, and in supercharged trim a lot faster. But it's also bigger, wider and heavier. So would it dilute the thrill compared to a sub 700kg Mini with no power assistance?

[300bhp/ton]

TWPC said:

Fiat Panda 100hp
- can't believe this thread got to P.5 without mentioning it!!

Are they really that fun? I know many motoring journo's praise them. But are they 'fun' in the grand scheme of including past masters and used cars?


I drove a Fiat 500 a few years back. The car itself was charming and I liked the interior, it was a happy car, something to make you smile. But it had probably the worst steering of almost any car I'd driven. This massively reduced the fun factor for me. I drove to the dealership in an old Nissan 100NX and was expecting to enjoy the 500 more so. And from a visuals point of view I did, inside and out.

But the actual driving experience was lacking big time. Ok it was more taught. But Nissan's steering felt like it was shouting at you by comparison (and I honestly wouldn't rate the 100NX's steering as great either, just subtantially better).

I thought the 500 had the steering in the city parking mode, but no. I pushed the button and it made it even worse.


For the record, I've also spent sometime commuting in a 1.2 Fiat Punto Sporting. It's pretty much the worst car I've driven and completely devoid of fun or enjoyment.

[300bhp/ton]

PomBstard said:

I had a 98 Mk1 Sporting from new - put 63,000 reliable miles on it in 28 months - was a hoot to drive. Not saying it was the best out there, and was certainly not rapid outright, but the quick, albeit feel-free, steering and rev-hungry engine meant fun was to be had. The only car in which I've hit the rev limiter in top gear. Twice. Was also roomy enough for four adults, and would stay at an indicated 3 digits all day.

The one I used had a 6 speed box and no chance of hitting the rev limiter in top. In fact 6th was almost dangerous as the engine didn't have the guts to pull it.

The engine revved and screamed, but in quite a nasty way, you felt like you were killing it, and it sounded like it.

Steering was indirect, numb, no feel and had the feeling of being attached to the front wheels by a rubber steering column. Also for me the seating position was probably the worst of any car I've ever driven.

It's only redeeming feature was the bright yellow paint work.

[300bhp/ton]

lostkiwi said:

Was yours a Mk2 or a Mk1? Just curious....

Honestly don't know anything about these really. Suspect a Mk2.