As an “enthusiast” it’s become apparent that among other enthusiasts, a front engine rear wheel drive layout is optimal if you consider yourself a driver.  It seems as though everyone sights balance with potential for oversteer (too much Tokyo Drift) as their reasoning for preference towards a rear wheel drive layout.  While I tend to agree, I’m not going to be as simple and rule out the good ‘ol front wheel drive.  Sure it gives a frontward weight bias and yes it limits the amount of power you can put to the ground (curse you torque steer!), but the fact is with a well tuned chassis and suspension, appropriate engine power, and nice precise steering, a front driver can be as much fun as any rear tire burner.

Cars like the MINI Cooper, GTI, Mazda3, and Cobalt (SS turbo only please) give FWD a lot of street cred, yet I continuously see enthusiasts write these machines off for lack of rear wheel drive.  I’ve had the pleasure of driving all of these machines (owning one in fact) and I must say that the front wheel drive layout of all of them give a nice well balanced drive with minimal understeer and only gentle 4 wheel drifts when things start to get fun.  It’s just the way I like it…balanced, fun, and controllable.  Now, the reason for this post is that for the past week a video on youtube of Jason Plato making a remarkable save during a British Touring Car Championship race has been making the rounds (check it out below). Read the rest of this entry »