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I really hate front drive cars. I ran over a curb once but the other side dropped off about 2 feet and I couldn't pull myself off. I don't like the front wheels looking like they need air all the time because of the the unequal weight. A friend's front wheel drive Outback was taken to an oil change joint and they drained the transmission by mistake and the guy on top wondered by there was still oil in the engine so drained and filled that back up not knowing the transmission was empty. The car actually ran for 2 days before freezing up.
Great. So, what would you say is the best handling FWD car without modifications?
By the way, there's no such thing as a FWD Outback.
No, no, no the Astra is the best handling small car I have ever driven and I have driven them all. Go out and gather your own evidence, top gear has it completely wrong.
Quote:
Originally Posted by whiteboyslo
not to be a Clarkson leg-humper, but from what i've seen of the Saturn/Opel Astra reviews on Top Gear, that thing can't handle worth crap. it does nothing but understeer and plow. i've heard similar complaints of all GM FWD platforms.
from watching and participating in gobs of auto-x events, i would say the quickest and most preferred FWD platforms would be the Mini and an assortment of Honda platforms. the Focus and GTI handle well, but tend to be slower overall.
I test drove the Saturn Astra. It handled very well. Didn't like the confusing dashboard layout controls, the transmission geared for fuel economy, and the lack of any engine choices. What I did like was the smooth ride and the very solid feel of the car. You could tell the quality when you opened the door. Try this trick. Drive whatever car or truck you currently have to a Chevy or Suzuki dealership. Walk up to an Aveo or SX4 and open and close the door. You can feel how flimsy the body is made.
I still wonder why ford got rid of the SVT focus back in 03-04 they even came with a 6-speed back than which was rare in hot hatches.
I own an SVT Focus (03) and can attest to the fact how wickedly it handles. It handles better than 80% of the RWD cars Ive driven to be honest. The chassis is amazing, power is adequate, and the price is hard to beat. I picked up mine for under 10K and its virtually spotless. Anyways, the reason Ford discontinued them is because they were slow to sell and only limited production. They are incredible handling and slick looking to boot. They do have quirks and problems here and there, but are well worth it. I smile everytime I get in it.
The fastest on a track would be the Cobalt SS, there is simply no better option.
SRT-4 ACR is also an incredible handler, with turbo power also. The Cobalt SS handles incredibly well, but the SRT-4 feels more raw, more balanced, more honed, despite what the near-identical performance numbers show.
No, no, no the Astra is the best handling small car I have ever driven and I have driven them all. Go out and gather your own evidence, top gear has it completely wrong.
i wouldn't really call it 'evidence' since it's all just opinion anyway, but you're right that i have no direct 'behind-the-wheel' experience with the car. i will give it this, though: it's a SHARP-looking hatch!
i have had experience driving the Cobalt SS and the Saturn Ion Redline, though. unless they have made some significant improvements since the very first year or so, i'd have to disagree with the idea that they handle particularly well. they're quick, but the torquesteer and lack of LSD on a car with that much power to the front wheels made every corner on the track a wheelspin nightmare.
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top gear blows it
