Is Daytona all wheel drive?
Daytona models and their drivetrains
The following overview highlights the most recognizable Daytona-branded vehicles and confirms their drivetrain configurations to illustrate why AWD has not appeared in Daytona production.
- Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona (1968–1974): Rear-wheel drive (RWD). A legendary grand tourer whose performance design centers on rear traction.
- Ferrari Daytona SP3 (2021–): Rear-wheel drive (RWD). A modern, limited-run homage to the original Daytona with a V12 and traditional RWD layout.
- Shelby Daytona Coupe (CSX2287, 1964): Rear-wheel drive (RWD). A lightweight race-oriented coupe built for speed; AWD was not offered.
- Plymouth Daytona Turbo II (1987–1989): Front-wheel drive (FWD). Part of the Mopar Daytona lineup on a K-car platform; no AWD option.
- Dodge Daytona (1984–1993): Front-wheel drive (FWD). A performance variant of the K-car family; AWD was not available in production.
In short, Daytona-branded models have historically emphasized lightweight performance and specific market niches, using either rear- or front-wheel drive, but not all-wheel drive.
Why AWD has not fit the Daytona formula
Industry engineers point to a combination of brand heritage, design priorities, and era-specific engineering choices. The Daytona name is closely tied to racing heritage and lightweight performance, where AWD would add weight and complexity that could dilute the intended driving experience.
What to consider if you need all-wheel drive with high-performance appeal
If all-wheel drive is a must-have while chasing high performance, there are other models outside the Daytona family that deliver AWD without compromising pace or handling.
- Ferrari FF (4RM AWD system) and GTC4Lusso offer Ferrari’s AWD experience, though they are not Daytona models.
- Many other performance brands provide AWD variants of their sports cars and GTs, so shoppers can prioritize traction and power together.
Ultimately, the Daytona badge does not imply AWD. Prospective buyers seeking all-wheel-drive performance should look to non-Daytona models that explicitly advertise AWD.
Summary: The Daytona lineage does not include an all-wheel-drive production car. From the classic Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona to the modern Daytona SP3 and from Shelby’s Daytona Coupe to Mopar’s Daytona variants, these cars prioritize rear- or front-wheel drive rather than all-wheel traction. For AWD, consider other models that specifically offer it.
