Is the Acura Legend FWD or RWD?
The Acura Legend is front-wheel drive (FWD). Throughout its production from 1986 to 1995, all Legend models used a transversely mounted V6 powering the front wheels, and there was no factory all-wheel-drive option in the U.S. market.
Drivetrain profile
The Legend was built on a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout derived from Honda's Accord family. This configuration prioritizes interior space and predictable, comfortable handling in a mid-size luxury sedan.
Key drivetrain facts about the Acura Legend are summarized below:
- Front-wheel-drive layout throughout its production (1986–1995).
- Transversely mounted V6 engine powering the front wheels.
- No factory all-wheel-drive option offered in the U.S. market.
- Based on Honda Accord architecture, adapted for premium features and comfort.
Concluding: The Legend remained front-driven across generations, aligning with its positioning as a mainstream luxury sedan rather than a rear-drive performance model.
Generation-by-generation details
First generation (1986–1990)
The initial Legend used a 2.5-liter V6 with front-wheel drive, packaged in a sedan that emphasized space and comfort alongside Acura's early luxury branding. The drivetrain continued the front-drive layout that defined the model's character.
Second generation (1991–1995)
The second generation retained front-wheel drive and adopted a larger V6 (around 2.7 liters in US-spec models), with styling and suspension updates to improve ride quality. Even as power and refinement grew, Acura did not offer an all-wheel-drive variant for the Legend in the U.S. market.
Summary
The Acura Legend is consistently front-wheel drive across its entire production run, built on Honda's Accord-derived architecture, with no official all-wheel-drive option offered in the United States. Its front-drive setup contributed to efficient packaging and a smooth ride characteristic of early luxury sedans from Acura.
Are Acura legends rear wheel drive?
The Acura Legend was a front-wheel-drive (FWD) car, not rear-wheel-drive (RWD). Although it used a longitudinally mounted engine that gave it RWD proportions and a sleeker hood line, it was still FWD, a design choice that differed from its direct RWD luxury competitors.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Acura Legend's design: 53sKirk KreifelsYouTube · Apr 16, 2024
- Front-wheel-drive: Despite its appearance, the Legend was front-wheel-drive, not rear-wheel-drive.
- Longitudinal engine placement: The engine was mounted longitudinally, which is unusual for a FWD car. This allowed for a lower hood line and a more balanced weight distribution, a design choice common in RWD cars.
- RWD proportions: The longitudinal engine placement was a key design element that gave the car the appearance of being RWD, but it still drove the front wheels.
- Competitors: The Legend competed against other luxury cars that were often rear-wheel drive, like the Lexus LS400 and Infiniti Q45.
Is Acura Legend FWD or RWD?
Second generation (1991)
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
| Layout | Longitudinal front-engine, front-wheel drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.2 L C32A & C32A1 V6 |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Automatic 5-Speed Manual 6-Speed Manual (Type-II) |
Why was the Acura legend so popular?
In 1986, Legend was launched as the Acura flagship along with the new brand. The upscale model featured something never before seen on a Honda vehicle, a V-6 engine. The Legend's larger cabin, power everything, a standard moonroof, and cruise control set it apart from run-of-the-mill Civics and Accords.
Are any Acura RWD?
No, most Acuras are front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, but some models, like the all-electric 2024 ZDX, offer a rear-wheel drive (RWD) option. The ZDX A-Spec is available with a single motor and rear-wheel drive, while other Acuras typically use their Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system.
Acura models with RWD
- Acura ZDX: The base model of the all-electric ZDX is available with a single electric motor, which drives the rear wheels, making it a rear-wheel drive vehicle.
Acura models with other drivetrains
- AWD: Most other modern Acura SUVs and sedans use their Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which is standard on models like the RDX and available on the TLX.
- FWD: Many of Acura's historical models were front-wheel drive, but this is less common in their current lineup, which emphasizes AWD for better performance.
- RWD: Historically, Acura has made few RWD vehicles. The NSX supercar was a notable exception, but most other Acura models have not been RWD.
