levnubhin

iTrader: (30)

With all the US auto makers slowly going back to RWD platforms and having IMO pretty good success moving cars, why aren't the Japs making more RWD cars? Id love to see cars like the Maxima with a RWD setup or the Altima coupe and sedan. The Acura TL would be badass if it were RWD. Their friends from Hyundai seem to be getting with it with that new Genesis platform.

Whats the dealy?
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NA6C-Guy

iTrader: (1)

I agree. So many FWD platform cars that would completely kick *** if they were RWD. I cant make myself buy anything FWD, just not fun to me. The newer Altima Coupe would kick *** RWD. My mom bought one a few months ago, and its a real fun car, but if it were driven from the rear it would be even more bad ***.

messiahx

iTrader: (2)

First off, the cost to switch all their platforms is probably a lot, so it won't happen anytime soon courtesy of the world economy. Secondly, the demand probably just isn't there since most people don't care.

Also, living in a northern state, I get the "you drive a RWD vehicle in the snow?! OMG!" question all the time (miata is my only car). Most people my age are incapable drivers and would cause even more accidents if they all were stuck with RWD during inclement weather. I can only assume the same for a lot of people born in the late 70s on after.

However, I agree, we need more RWD. I think Toyota should revisit it line from the 80s to mid 90s and try to recreate some of those vehicles.

levnubhin

iTrader: (30)

I dont think it could really be a cost factor. In fact it probably costs more to make both FWD and RWD then if they just made one. Nissan already has RWD platforms. G35,M45/35,350Z. They could use any of those for the Maxima or Altima.

Toyota has the IS platform that they could use as well.

Honda/Acura are the only ones that probably don't have a RWD platform. They have an AWD platform that they could probably use though.
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hustler

iTrader: (6)

I don't really give a **** about modern cars.

reasons modern cars suck:
expensive
heavy
too much electrical ****
too much emission control ****
big, expensive brakes
big expensive tires
big expensive wheels
gay as ****
warranty crap because you drove the car
I can wad up my car and have a replacement for $2k.

rotaryjunky

iTrader: (3)

Modern cars do become old cars, I think, at least that's what my dad says.

mazda/nissan

iTrader: (2)

modern cars become old cars, but not all modern cars become classics. I still turn my head every time I see a Miata or a 240sx, not so when I see a sunfire...

To add to this thread, Toyota is really the only company that has dropped the ball. They had rear wheel drive cars, but they got rid of them. (still sour about the replacement of the MR2 and Celica with the Scion) Honda never really did have RWD platforms other than the NSX (Acura) and the S2000 which I hear is going to be slated here soon. Nissan is kicking *** in the RWD department like always though

pdexta

iTrader: (17)

I think some concerns of the CAFE mpg requirements are kinda pushing cars toward the more efficient FWD cars. I'd much rather lose half a mpg and get something that doesn't suck to drive. It's not like it's difficult to make a small lightweight RWD car that gets good gas mileage. Unfortunately the masses seem to prefer huge vehicles and don't really care what wheels are powering it, so that's what we get.

96rdstr

iTrader: (4)

The Celica's best years ended in 1985. I had an 83 GT, 2.4L RWD, fun car. You want RWD from the Japanese makes, then look to the luxury brands, except Acura. Infiniti and Lexus are RWD except the ES350. That platform is still FWD, thats the poser Lexus dressed up(Camry).

They all need to watch out for Hyundai. That Genesis Sedan with the V8 is a nice machine. The Genesis Coupe looks really good on paper, too.

patsmx5

iTrader: (16)

Cost is the reason all the manufacturers went to FWD configurations in the first place. It's cheaper to produce a drivetrain that drops into the front of the car. Has many many benefits from a cost of production standpoint. Everywhere from quantity of materials, ease to work on and service, cost of manufacturing and assembly, efficiency, etc.

MOST of the population doesn't know what FWD or RWD means, much less care. Very few would care enough to say "I'm not gonna buy that new Altima because it's FWD". Very small percent of market cares about the layout of the drivetrain.

But yeah, I agree. FWD sucks most of the time. Only thing I like about it is it makes for an easy to drive beater.