What Hondas are RWD?
While Honda is primarily known for its front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicles, the company has produced a few rear-wheel-drive (RWD) models over the years. The most notable RWD Hondas include the S2000 sports car and the Acura NSX supercar.
Honda S2000
The Honda S2000 was a two-seat roadster produced from 1999 to 2009. It was designed as a high-performance sports car with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The S2000 was powered by a high-revving 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produced up to 240 horsepower, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds.
Acura NSX
The Acura NSX, introduced in 1990, was a mid-engine supercar that also featured a rear-wheel-drive configuration. Developed in collaboration with Formula One driver Ayrton Senna, the NSX was powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine that produced up to 290 horsepower. The NSX was renowned for its excellent handling and performance, making it a formidable competitor to European supercars of the time.
Other RWD Hondas
While the S2000 and NSX are the most well-known RWD Hondas, the company has produced a few other rear-wheel-drive models over the years, including:
- Honda Prelude (1978-2001): The Prelude was a sporty, front-engine, rear-wheel-drive coupe that was popular in the 1980s and 1990s.
- Honda CR-X (1983-1991): The CR-X was a small, lightweight sports car that was available with a rear-wheel-drive configuration in some markets.
- Honda Beat (1991-1996): The Beat was a small, mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive kei car sold exclusively in Japan.
These RWD Hondas were designed to offer a more engaging and dynamic driving experience, catering to enthusiasts who appreciate the handling characteristics of a rear-wheel-drive layout. However, the majority of Honda's lineup has traditionally been front-wheel-drive, as this configuration offers better fuel efficiency, interior space, and cost-effectiveness for the company's mainstream models.
Are Honda Civic type R RWD?
No, the Honda Civic Type R is not rear-wheel drive (RWD); it is a front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicle. It is designed and marketed as a front-wheel drive performance car.
- Consistent FWD design: All modern Civic Type R models have a front-wheel drive layout.
- Purpose: The FWD design is a core part of the Type R's identity, with Honda focusing on making it a high-performing FWD car rather than changing to a different drivetrain.
- Performance: Its FWD system is highly capable, with the car even setting a Nürburgring lap record for front-wheel-drive cars.
What Honda engine is RWD?
The Honda K20 and K24 engine were introduced in 2001. The first engine to be introduced was the K20A. Unlike previous Honda engines this used a clockwise rotation hence making it suitable for rear wheel drive conversions, where the transmission is almost always setup for a clockwise rotating engine.
What Hondas came with rear wheel drive?
For instance, Honda's first production cars, like the T360 and S-series, were all rear-wheel drive, along with the Acty kei truck. Then you have the mid-engine Honda Beat kei car and its recent follow-up, the S660. Honda has even dabbled in RWD electric cars, like the Honda e.
Is a Honda Accord a RWD?
No, the Honda Accord is not rear-wheel drive (RWD); it has always come standard with front-wheel drive (FWD). There are no current or past Honda Accord models available in the United States that are factory-built with RWD, though some custom builds and specific international market versions (which are not readily available in the U.S.) may exist.
You can watch this video to learn about Honda's new lineup with rear-wheel drive: 20sKirk KreifelsYouTube · Apr 16, 2024
- Standard drivetrain: All Honda Accord models sold in the U.S. are front-wheel drive.
- No factory RWD Accord: You will not find a factory RWD version of the Accord in the North American market.
- Custom builds: While very rare, some enthusiasts have modified an Accord to be RWD by integrating parts from other RWD vehicles, but this is not a factory option.
- Other RWD Hondas: Honda has produced other RWD vehicles, such as the NSX and S2000, but the Accord is not one of them.
