Front Mid Engine Cars: A Comprehensive Guide

What is a Front Mid Engine Car?

A front mid engine car is a type of vehicle that has its engine mounted in front of the passenger compartment, but behind the front axle.

This layout offers a number of advantages, including:

Improved weight distribution, which can lead to better handling and performance.
Increased cabin space, as the engine does not take up as much space as it would in a traditional front-engine car.
Reduced noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels, as the engine is further away from the passenger compartment.

History of Front Mid Engine Cars

The first front mid engine car was the 1960 Lotus Elite. This car was designed by Colin Chapman, who was looking for a way to improve the handling of his Lotus Seven. The Elite was a success, and it inspired other manufacturers to produce front mid engine cars.

In the 1970s, front mid engine cars became increasingly popular, as they offered a number of advantages over traditional front-engine cars. Some of the most notable front mid engine cars from this era include the Ferrari 308, the Porsche 928, and the Lamborghini Countach.

Today, front mid engine cars are still produced by a number of manufacturers. Some of the most popular front mid engine cars on the market today include the Audi R8, the Chevrolet Corvette, and the Toyota 86.

Advantages of Front Mid Engine Cars

There are a number of advantages to owning a front mid engine car. These advantages include:

Improved handling: Front mid engine cars have better weight distribution than traditional front-engine cars, which can lead to improved handling and performance.
Increased cabin space: The engine in a front mid engine car is mounted behind the front axle, which frees up more space in the passenger compartment.
Reduced NVH levels: The engine in a front mid engine car is further away from the passenger compartment, which can lead to reduced noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels.
Improved fuel economy: Some front mid engine cars have better fuel economy than traditional front-engine cars, as the engine is mounted closer to the center of the car, which can reduce drag.

Disadvantages of Front Mid Engine Cars

There are also a few disadvantages to owning a front mid engine car. These disadvantages include:

Increased cost: Front mid engine cars are often more expensive than traditional front-engine cars, as they require more engineering and production costs.
Reduced trunk space: The engine in a front mid engine car is mounted behind the front axle, which can reduce the amount of trunk space available.
More complex repairs: The engine in a front mid engine car is more difficult to access than in a traditional front-engine car, which can make repairs more complex and expensive.

Conclusion

Front mid engine cars offer a number of advantages over traditional front-engine cars, including improved handling, increased cabin space, reduced NVH levels, and improved fuel economy. However, front mid engine cars are also more expensive, have reduced trunk space, and can be more difficult to repair. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy a front mid engine car is a personal one.