Is Dodge Stealth FWD?
Not all Dodge Stealth models are front-wheel drive. The standard, non-turbo Stealth variants were FWD, while the high-performance twin-turbo versions used all-wheel drive (AWD). In short, the drivetrain depends on the trim and year.
The Dodge Stealth is the Dodge-badged version of Mitsubishi's 3000GT, produced in the 1990s (1991–1996). Its drive layout varied with the model’s turbocharged configuration and performance package.
Drive layouts by trim
Here's a concise breakdown of how the drivetrain differed across Stealth variants.
- Base Stealth and ES: front-wheel drive, powered by a 3.0-liter V6 without turbo.
- Twin-turbo Stealth (often branded RT or RT/TT): all-wheel drive, featuring a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 for higher performance.
In short, the non-turbo variants were FWD, while the turbocharged versions used AWD, reflecting the model’s performance-oriented design.
What to look for when identifying a Stealth's drivetrain
To determine whether a specific Dodge Stealth is FWD or AWD, check the badge and the drivetrain cues. The presence of turbo or TT branding typically signals AWD; absence usually indicates FWD.
- Badge indicators: "VR-4," "Twin Turbo," or "TT" generally denote AWD turbo models.
- Undercarriage cues: AWD Stealths have a center transfer mechanism; FWD models do not.
- VIN/option codes: Some listings encode the drivetrain; a dealer can verify from documentation.
These cues help differentiate a specific car's drivetrain without needing to test drive.
Summary
The Dodge Stealth lineup does not have a single drivetrain configuration. Base and non-turbo models were front-wheel drive, while the twin-turbo variants used all-wheel drive. As a badge-engineered version of the Mitsubishi 3000GT, the Stealth spanned 1991–1996, and buyers should verify trim badges and drivetrain cues when researching a particular car.
