Why isn't the 159 RWD?

[slapmatt]

I always wonderd this about my 156. Surely if Alfa want to compete with the 3-series, Mercs and Saabs RWD is a pre-requisite?

And it would be good for some sideways action!

[Raify]

It's a space issue on most cars. The space saved on not having a prop going to the rear axle is used for the exhaust, thus saving more space for rear legroom / boot.

On the 159, and the GT, I really don't know why they didn't go RWD, such a waste...

[SCOOTERMAN]

Since when've modern-day Saabs been RWD?

[anonymous-user]

Cost I'd have thought. But the V6 and bigger diesel are (will be) available with rear biased 4wd.

[900T-R]

SCOOTERMAN said:

Since when've modern-day Saabs been RWD?

Since when have Saabs been RWD, period?

[Alex]

Manufacturers will say it's space, but the real reason is cost. FWD allows the whole engine and transmission to be fitted on the production line as a single unit.

All hail the 75, the last true Alfa!

[wombat rick]

LexSport said:

Cost I'd have thought. But the V6 and bigger diesel are (will be) available with rear biased 4wd.

I think there is now some doubt as to the 2.4JTD getting Q4 for the UK.

The V6 has it, but as yet the 2.4 is only FWD over here.

[slapmatt]

900T-R said:

SCOOTERMAN said: Since when've modern-day Saabs been RWD? Since when have Saabs been RWD, period?

I'm sure there used to be an advert for Saabs that said "why be pulled round a corner when you can be pushed" - surely inplying RWD. I'm under 55, so I don't know much about Saabs.

Still a shame that Alfa couldn't managed it though.

[900T-R]

slapmatt said:

900T-R said: SCOOTERMAN said: Since when've modern-day Saabs been RWD? Since when have Saabs been RWD, period? I'm sure there used to be an advert for Saabs that said "why be pulled round a corner when you can be pushed" - surely inplying RWD.

You must be mistaken. No RWD Saab has ever left the factory since the start of production in the late fourties.

[Twin Turbo]

The 8c Competizione will be RWD

But I agree, I really wish they'd develop a decent RWD platform.......but they won't