Was the Dodge Stealth RWD?
The Dodge Stealth was not offered as a factory rear-wheel-drive vehicle. It was a badge-engineered version of Mitsubishi’s 3000GT, with all-wheel drive available on the turbocharged VR-4 variant and front-wheel drive on the naturally aspirated models.
Origins and drivetrain basics
The Stealth, produced from 1991 to 1996, was Dodge’s take on Mitsubishi’s flagship sports coupe, the 3000GT. Across its run, the lineup included turbocharged variants that used all-wheel drive and non-turbo variants that typically used front-wheel drive. There was no factory option for rear-wheel drive in the Stealth lineup.
Turbo VR-4 and all-wheel drive
The high-performance turbo model, often referenced as the VR-4, employed all-wheel drive to maximize traction and acceleration. This configuration contributed to the Stealth’s reputation as a capable performance car in Dodge’s portfolio during the early to mid-1990s.
Non-turbo and front-wheel drive
The naturally aspirated Stealth variants were generally front-wheel drive, aligning with the common setup for many non-turbo sports coupes of the era. This contrasted with the turbo versions, which used the AWD system.
Was there any factory RWD Stealth?
No. Dodge did not offer a factory rear-wheel-drive Stealth. The available drivetrains were all-wheel drive for the turbo VR-4 models and front-wheel drive for the non-turbo variants. Some enthusiasts consider aftermarket conversions, but these are not factory-backed configurations.
Myth busting and practical take
There are several misconceptions about the Stealth’s drivetrain configurations that stem from branding and model-name overlaps with Mitsubishi. The following points clarify the reality.
- Myth: Dodge Stealth was offered as a rear-wheel-drive car. Reality: There was no factory RWD Stealth; only AWD on turbo variants and FWD on non-turbo variants.
- Myth: All Stealth models were AWD. Reality: Only the turbo VR-4 variant used AWD; NA variants were typically FWD.
- Myth: You can identify a factory RWD Stealth by badge alone. Reality: Drivetrain details must be checked for each specific model and year, as badging does not indicate RWD availability.
Conclusion: If a rear-drive setup is a must, it would require an aftermarket modification rather than a factory option from Dodge during the Stealth era.
Summary
In short, the Dodge Stealth was not a rear-wheel-drive car. It followed the Mitsubishi 3000GT lineage, offering all-wheel drive on the turbocharged VR-4 models and front-wheel drive on naturally aspirated variants. There was no factory RWD Stealth, and any RWD configuration would have to come from aftermarket work, not from Dodge’s original lineup.
Was the Dodge Stealth AWD?
Back in this time, most sports cars were rear-wheel-drive. But Mitsubishi equipped the 3000GT VR-4 and its Dodge Stealth R/T Turbo equivalent with full-time all-wheel-drive. Mitsubishi's expertise in AWD would win it a World Rally Championship. by mid-decade.
Is the Dodge Stealth just a 3000GT?
Yes, the Dodge Stealth and the Mitsubishi 3000GT are essentially the same car, developed through a partnership between Chrysler and Mitsubishi and sold under different brands in North America. The Dodge Stealth is a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi 3000GT, with the Stealth featuring different front-end styling and some interior trim variations, but sharing the same underlying platform and mechanicals.
- Platform: The cars were co-developed and built on the same platform by Mitsubishi.
- Branding: The Mitsubishi 3000GT was the original model, while the Dodge Stealth was a rebadged version sold through Dodge dealerships.
- Styling: The main difference is the exterior styling, with Chrysler designing the front of the Stealth to be distinct from the 3000GT. Other differences include some interior trim and badging (e.g., the Dodge Ram logo on the Stealth's airbag).
- Features: Some trim-specific features differed, such as the digital climate control and active aero system on some 3000GT models not being available on the comparable Stealth models.
- Production: The Stealth was sold from 1991 to 1996, while the 3000GT was sold from 1991 to 1999 in North America.
Is the 3000GT FWD or rwd?
The Mitsubishi 3000GT is a front-engine, all-wheel/front-wheel drive grand touring/sports car manufactured and marketed by Mitsubishi from 1990 until 2000 over three different series.
Is the Dodge Stealth FWD or RWD?
Front wheel drive
Drivetrain
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
|---|---|
| Drive type | Front wheel drive |
