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.
