What are the best handling front wheel drive cars ever?

[MJK 24]

In Alphabetical order, for my top 5, I've got:


Alfa Romeo Alfasud
Austin Mini
Peugeot 205 GTi
Renault Clio 172 / 182
Volkswagen Corrado (4 cyl engines)

Anyone care to debate....

[Witchfinder]

I understand the Integra Type-R is very highly regarded.

[MJK 24]

Witchfinder said:

I understand the Integra Type-R is very highly regarded.

What would you pull off my list to slot it in?

In fairness, I've not driven one, but I've owned some in my list and put a few miles (50+) on the others.

[m1spw]

Ford Puma is very highly rated, Ford apparently spent millions making it handle well. Although I've never driven one...

[MJK 24]

m1spw said:

Ford Puma is very highly rated, Ford apparently spent millions making it handle well. Although I've never driven one...

They do handle really well and you don't need the (in some peoples opinion) obligatory 1.7 to enjoy that part.

[MJK 24]

MJK 24 said:

In Alphabetical order, for my top 5, I've got: Alfa Romeo Alfasud Austin Mini Peugeot 205 GTi Renault Clio 172 / 182 Volkswagen Corrado (4 cyl engines) Anyone care to debate....

Mini - 60's
Sud - 70's
205 - 80's
Corrado - 90's
Clio - 00's

[groomi]

Lotus Elan
Pug 309 GTi
Pug 205 GTi
Mini Cooper S
MINI Cooper S
Honda Integra Type R
Renault Clio 172/182

Two of them have to go but I don't know which ones.

>> Edited by groomi on Wednesday 12th April 23:10

[thegreatsoprendo]

Lotus Elan (the 'new' version from the early 90's) is also highly regarded, but haven't driven one myself.

[BossCerbera]

Puma.

And Steve McQueen drove one posthumously.

[MJK 24]

groomi said:

Lotus Elan Pug 309 GTi Pug 205 GTi Mini Cooper S MINI Cooper S Honda Integra Type R Renault Clio 172/182 Two of them have to go but I don't know which ones. >> Edited by groomi on Wednesday 12th April 23:10

309. Not as good a handler as the 205 IMO. More safe yes, but not as good if you like living on the edge!

[GarrettMacD]

Renault 21 2L turbo was well regarded.

Best though, is the Alfa 33 1.7 8V

[MJK 24]

GarrettMacD said:

Best though, is the Alfa 33 1.7 8V

Can't agree with that at all!!! I'm a big Alfa fan and I've had loads of Suds and the 33 you mention. The Suds are a big step ahead of the 33 and I'm thinking that maybe the Sud should be replaced by the Puma in my list.

33 was heavier and had more unsprung weight as it didn't have the Suds inboard front brakes.

>> Edited by MJK 24 on Wednesday 12th April 23:15

[GarrettMacD]

MJK 24 said:

GarrettMacD said: Best though, is the Alfa 33 1.7 8V Can't agree with that at all!!! I'm a big Alfa fan and I've had loads of Suds and the 33 you mention. The Suds are a big step ahead of the 33 and I'm thinking that maybe the Sud should be replaced by the Puma in my list. 33 was heavier and had more unsprung weight as it didn't have the Suds inboard front brakes. >> Edited by MJK 24 on Wednesday 12th April 23:15

Dude, see my profile.
Trust me, it's the best handling FWD car ever, not sure about any of the other 33's though !!!

[timbob]

Mistubishi FTO is a brilliant handling car.

[MJK 24]

GarrettMacD said:

MJK 24 said: GarrettMacD said: Best though, is the Alfa 33 1.7 8V Can't agree with that at all!!! I'm a big Alfa fan and I've had loads of Suds and the 33 you mention. The Suds are a big step ahead of the 33 and I'm thinking that maybe the Sud should be replaced by the Puma in my list. 33 was heavier and had more unsprung weight as it didn't have the Suds inboard front brakes. >> Edited by MJK 24 on Wednesday 12th April 23:15 Dude, see my profile. Trust me, it's the best handling FWD car ever, not sure about any of the other 33's though !!!

lol

Do you race in the AROC Championship or did you race it in Auto Italia? Don't think AT is still going...

[GarrettMacD]

MJK 24 said:

GarrettMacD said: MJK 24 said: GarrettMacD said: Best though, is the Alfa 33 1.7 8V Can't agree with that at all!!! I'm a big Alfa fan and I've had loads of Suds and the 33 you mention. The Suds are a big step ahead of the 33 and I'm thinking that maybe the Sud should be replaced by the Puma in my list. 33 was heavier and had more unsprung weight as it didn't have the Suds inboard front brakes. >> Edited by MJK 24 on Wednesday 12th April 23:15 Dude, see my profile. Trust me, it's the best handling FWD car ever, not sure about any of the other 33's though !!! lol Do you race in the AROC Championship or did you race it in Auto Italia? Don't think AT is still going...

Did a few AROC last year, but going into Tin-Tops this year. 40 minute mini-endurance races, with a view to Britcar S1 in 2007 (not in the Alfa though, probably a Civic Type R). The 33 is going to be up against some very strong opposition, since we are in the 1600cc to 2000cc class, but what we lack in power we hope to make up for in handling and braking. First race is at Snetterton this weekend!

[MJK 24]

GarrettMacD said:

MJK 24 said: GarrettMacD said: MJK 24 said: GarrettMacD said: Best though, is the Alfa 33 1.7 8V Can't agree with that at all!!! I'm a big Alfa fan and I've had loads of Suds and the 33 you mention. The Suds are a big step ahead of the 33 and I'm thinking that maybe the Sud should be replaced by the Puma in my list. 33 was heavier and had more unsprung weight as it didn't have the Suds inboard front brakes. >> Edited by MJK 24 on Wednesday 12th April 23:15 Dude, see my profile. Trust me, it's the best handling FWD car ever, not sure about any of the other 33's though !!! lol Do you race in the AROC Championship or did you race it in Auto Italia? Don't think AT is still going... Did a few AROC last year, but going into Tin-Tops this year. 40 minute mini-endurance races, with a view to Britcar S1 in 2007 (not in the Alfa though, probably a Civic Type R). The 33 is going to be up against some very strong opposition, since we are in the 1600cc to 2000cc class, but what we lack in power we hope to make up for in handling and braking. First race is at Snetterton this weekend!

Best of luck to you!

I need to get to a few meets this year in my little Sud...

[Boosted LS1]

Classic Saab 900 is meant to be pretty good. Saw tests years ago where it matched some 4wd's in the dry.

Boosted.

[GarrettMacD]

MJK 24 said:

Best of luck to you! I need to get to a few meets this year in my little Sud...

Thanks MJK, we'll need it.

FYI, the Sud would be eligible for Tin-Tops. www.classicsportscarclub.co.uk

[MJK 24]

GarrettMacD said:

MJK 24 said: Best of luck to you! I need to get to a few meets this year in my little Sud... Thanks MJK, we'll need it. FYI, the Sud would be eligible for Tin-Tops. www.classicsportscarclub.co.uk

Please don't encourage me to spend anymore on it than I already have! The car cost me £100. I've spent just over £5,500 on it and not driven it a single mile in 7 years!