What are the best handling front wheel drive cars ever?
Discussion
LuS1fer said:
......
No honestly, they're all really good although I've never driven any.
So is this the "best fwd handling car" or the "fwd cars that I've heard are good, but have no idea because I've never driven them." thread?
So, the fwd cars I've driven and loved:
Clio 172 cup / 182
Alfasud
Mk1 Golf gti
BMW MINI Cooper S
Another thumbs up for the 309 GTI, it was pig ugly so most of the low life scum back in the late 80's/ early 90's didn't wan't to pinch them, they were all too busy nicking Cossies and 205's.
It was therefore much cheaper to insure than a 1.9 GTI 205, and handled really well, a very underated car IMHO.
The 306 GTI 6 was also an excellent handling FWD car, but it's diabolical steering lock made you look like a total tw-t when trying to effect a three point turn.
It was therefore much cheaper to insure than a 1.9 GTI 205, and handled really well, a very underated car IMHO.
The 306 GTI 6 was also an excellent handling FWD car, but it's diabolical steering lock made you look like a total tw-t when trying to effect a three point turn.
t5grf said:
Another thumbs up for the 309 GTI, it was pig ugly so most of the low life scum back in the late 80's/ early 90's didn't wan't to pinch them, they were all too busy nicking Cossies and 205's.
It was therefore much cheaper to insure than a 1.9 GTI 205, and handled really well, a very underated car IMHO.
The 306 GTI 6 was also an excellent handling FWD car, but it's diabolical steering lock made you look like a total tw-t when trying to effect a three point turn.
Spot on. As I said earlier, Peugeots were blessed with great handling.
Probably a little late on this one, but here are my thoughts on the movers and shakers that I have had the privilege of driving:
Corrado VR6 - Stunning, no other word to describe it! Absolutely loads of grip, and as you approach the limits of this adhesion the chassis becomes wonderfully fluid and adjustable. Has the ability to make an average FWD driver (me) look almost talented.
Peugeot 106 GTi - Absolute hoot. Thrashy little engine does detract a little, but ultimately still great fun, and very throttle-steerable.
Peugeot 205 GTi - Scared the cr*p out of me. I have driven two 1.9 examples, and both felt like they wanted to break away from the rear at/near the limit - Probably suited to a more experienced driver. Coincidentally, the most often-crashed car amongst my peer group.
Ford Fiesta Zetec S - Nice little package, but would ultimately benefit from a little more poke. Nothing quite dissolves confidence to push a car like knowing that it doesn't really have the guts to drag you out of the other end of a corner.
Peugeot 306 Rallye - As the 106 GTi but with more power, and at higher speed.
(As a cheaper alternative, see the Citroen Xsara VTS)
FIAT Coupe 20v Turbo - I drove 3 of these before deciding against buying one. Frankly frightening propensity to spin the front wheels, and ultimately compromised with 200+bhp.
Honda Integra Type-R DC2 - Similar to the Corrado in terms of a frighteningly high level of available grip. I never pushed beyond the limits however, so I have no feedback regarding that.
Mk2 Golf GTi - Great fun. Generally quite safe and sensible as standard however, tending to understeer when pushed through tighter corners. Anyone who can make one of these cars oversteer on the throttle deserves a medal for perseverance!
Clio 172 - Felt a lot like the 205 GTi, but I am assured by the owner (a good friend) that he has never encountered any trademark 205-esque oversteer.
Mitsubishi FTO - Only ever drove a Tiptronic, but was bored senseless. The gearbox was over-nannying and ponderous with its changes, and although it had a good degree of grip there was really very little fun to be had.
Honda Civic Type-R - Probably the most boring car on the list, if not the quickest in a straight line. The steering is terrible, and for me feels more over-assisted than that of my Dad's 54-reg diesel Passat. There is about 15deg either side of centre within which it feels like any input will generate no result, despite the contrary being true.
Bini Cooper S Works - Have put in a good few miles in this car, and must say that the levels of grip and bodyroll control are phenomenal - If not compromised somewhat by the ride comfort on the obligatory 17" alloys.
Just my £0.02
Corrado VR6 - Stunning, no other word to describe it! Absolutely loads of grip, and as you approach the limits of this adhesion the chassis becomes wonderfully fluid and adjustable. Has the ability to make an average FWD driver (me) look almost talented.
Peugeot 106 GTi - Absolute hoot. Thrashy little engine does detract a little, but ultimately still great fun, and very throttle-steerable.
Peugeot 205 GTi - Scared the cr*p out of me. I have driven two 1.9 examples, and both felt like they wanted to break away from the rear at/near the limit - Probably suited to a more experienced driver. Coincidentally, the most often-crashed car amongst my peer group.
Ford Fiesta Zetec S - Nice little package, but would ultimately benefit from a little more poke. Nothing quite dissolves confidence to push a car like knowing that it doesn't really have the guts to drag you out of the other end of a corner.
Peugeot 306 Rallye - As the 106 GTi but with more power, and at higher speed.
(As a cheaper alternative, see the Citroen Xsara VTS)
FIAT Coupe 20v Turbo - I drove 3 of these before deciding against buying one. Frankly frightening propensity to spin the front wheels, and ultimately compromised with 200+bhp.
Honda Integra Type-R DC2 - Similar to the Corrado in terms of a frighteningly high level of available grip. I never pushed beyond the limits however, so I have no feedback regarding that.
Mk2 Golf GTi - Great fun. Generally quite safe and sensible as standard however, tending to understeer when pushed through tighter corners. Anyone who can make one of these cars oversteer on the throttle deserves a medal for perseverance!
Clio 172 - Felt a lot like the 205 GTi, but I am assured by the owner (a good friend) that he has never encountered any trademark 205-esque oversteer.
Mitsubishi FTO - Only ever drove a Tiptronic, but was bored senseless. The gearbox was over-nannying and ponderous with its changes, and although it had a good degree of grip there was really very little fun to be had.
Honda Civic Type-R - Probably the most boring car on the list, if not the quickest in a straight line. The steering is terrible, and for me feels more over-assisted than that of my Dad's 54-reg diesel Passat. There is about 15deg either side of centre within which it feels like any input will generate no result, despite the contrary being true.
Bini Cooper S Works - Have put in a good few miles in this car, and must say that the levels of grip and bodyroll control are phenomenal - If not compromised somewhat by the ride comfort on the obligatory 17" alloys.
Just my £0.02
Dave200 said:
Peugeot 205 GTi - Scared the cr*p out of me. I have driven two 1.9 examples, and both felt like they wanted to break away from the rear at/near the limit - Probably suited to a more experienced driver. Coincidentally, the most often-crashed car amongst my peer group.
Drive propoerly and don't lift mid corner, then it's absolutely brilliant.
I've owned two (one standard and one lowered) and they are both the most playable car on the limit that I have owned.
Dave200 said:
Clio 172 - Felt a lot like the 205 GTi, but I am assured by the owner (a good friend) that he has never encountered any trademark 205-esque oversteer.
He probably drives it properly.
>> Edited by groomi on Thursday 13th April 13:08
groomi said:
Drive propoerly and don't lift mid corner, then it's absolutely brilliant.
I can never resist the urge to gently play with the throttle in the middle of a corner to gauge what level of adjustment can be gain safely. It's just that the 205 seemed far more unstable than either of the other FWD Peugeots in my list - Not that this is necessarily a bad thing, just an observation by me, an untalented FWD driver.
Dave200 said:Right, I'll claim my medal please, now!
Mk2 Golf GTi - Great fun. Generally quite safe and sensible as standard however, tending to understeer when pushed through tighter corners. Anyone who can make one of these cars oversteer on the throttle deserves a medal for perseverance!
Oli.
The best handling FWD cars in my experience are:
4th Generation Honda Prelude with 4WS - Honda's electrically actuated 4WS is even more subtle and brilliant than their original mechanical 4WS.
3rd Generation Honda Prelude 4WS - 4 wheel steering, low centre of gravity and great suspension geometry add up to an enjoyable drive on any road.
End of the line Mini Cooper with sportpack wide wheels - masses of grip, quick steering HUGE grin.
Current Ford Focus ST - Some FWD fight under power but utterly dependable, predictable and more fun than I ever thought a Ford Focus could be*.
Ford Fiesta (mk4) - A vast improvement over the Mk3, as sharp and responsive as its predecessor was dull and soggy, not enough grip on 155/70 tyres but steering by throttle and good balance would get you out of trouble when the grip ran out.
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*The more I drove the original Ford Focus the less impressed I was by its behaviour and the less I felt I could trust its responses. The ordinary mk2 Focus I drove was thoroughly competent without being in any way inspiring.
4th Generation Honda Prelude with 4WS - Honda's electrically actuated 4WS is even more subtle and brilliant than their original mechanical 4WS.
3rd Generation Honda Prelude 4WS - 4 wheel steering, low centre of gravity and great suspension geometry add up to an enjoyable drive on any road.
End of the line Mini Cooper with sportpack wide wheels - masses of grip, quick steering HUGE grin.
Current Ford Focus ST - Some FWD fight under power but utterly dependable, predictable and more fun than I ever thought a Ford Focus could be*.
Ford Fiesta (mk4) - A vast improvement over the Mk3, as sharp and responsive as its predecessor was dull and soggy, not enough grip on 155/70 tyres but steering by throttle and good balance would get you out of trouble when the grip ran out.
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*The more I drove the original Ford Focus the less impressed I was by its behaviour and the less I felt I could trust its responses. The ordinary mk2 Focus I drove was thoroughly competent without being in any way inspiring.
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