Within car culture there have been several debates that have raged on for decades with no clear answer. Classic debates include: Subaru WRX vs the Mitsubishi Evo, Ford Mustang vs Chevy Camaro, superchargers vs turbochargers, multi-link suspension vs double wishbone suspension, etc.

One of the larger debates have centered (no pun intended) all around engine placement. Specifically a front-engine platform versus a mid-engine (or “mid-ship”) platform.

Japanese sports cars and Japanese supercars have taken advantage of both engine layouts in the past for different reasons. Yet, there seems to be no definitive answer as to which one is “better”.

In this article we’re going to talk a little about the pros and cons of both engine layouts in an effort to see if one rises above the other.

Oh, and while we’re aware that many manufacturers all over the world have played with front-engine and mid-engine platforms, we’re going to be focusing exclusively on Japanese cars in this article. When we’re talking about front engine cars we’re going to stick with those that have rear or all wheel drive.

Japanese mid-engine cars

Diagram of the 2016 Acura NSX drivetrain

We’re going to start with mid-engine cars since they tend to be the exception rather than the rule when it comes to Japanese sports cars. First, let’s discuss why a JDM brand would elect to go with a mid-engine layout.

There are several reasons why mid-engine layouts are beneficial but the main reason is all about one thing: weight distribution. The engine is arguably the heaviest component of any car. So depending on where the engine is placed has a significant impact on the overall weight distribution of the car.

The reason why that’s important is because the distribution of weight plays a major factor in the handling capabilities of a car.

What is the advantage of a mid-engine car?

Placing the engine in the middle of a vehicle contributes to the weight of that vehicle having a 50/50 weight distribution ratio. Meaning that the car is equally as heavy in the front as it is in the back.

This is why the Acura NSX has its engine in the middle. When the engineers were developing the NSX, weight was a key issue for them. They wanted the NSX to compete with exotic cars of the day. That meant the NSX needed to be light and the weight it did have, needed to be balanced. The best way for them to achieve that goal (besides making the chassis out of aluminum) was to place the 3.0 liter V6 engine in the middle.

Third-generation Toyota MR-2. Image: wikipedia

Toyota followed suit as well with the MR2. While still a performance sports car, the MR2 isn’t quite at “supercar” level like the NSX is. Though, that didn’t stop Toyota from aiming for the optimal weight balance by placing the engine in the “mid ship” position.

Even some “kei” cars have mid-engine configurations. Take the Honda S660 for example; This tiny roadster has its tiny 658cc, 3-cylinder, turbocharged, 63 horsepower engine right behind the passenger seats. The Honda S660 weighs just over 1,800lbs but that weight is likely very well balanced.

Nissan MID4 concept car from 1985. Image: wikipedia

Even Nissan experimented with their own mid-engine platform. In the mid 80s, Nissan revealed a concept car called the "MID4". The name came from the fact that it was a mid-engine, 4-cylinder car. The concept was so well received that they produced the updated MID4-II concept 2 years later in 1984. Though ultimately neither car ever made it to production.

What are the disadvantages of a mid-engine car?

So, what are the cons of having a mid-engine layout? Well, it is actually a bit ironic. As we’ve mentioned before, mid-engine cars tend to handle very well due to their weight being well balanced. However, if a mid-engine car does get out of control and go into a spin, it tends to be much harder to recover since so much of the weight is in the middle. This is why there aren’t very many mid-engine cars in professional drifting.

Additionally, there are a few creature comfort sacrifices that tend to happen in mid-engine cars. Generally speaking, mid-engine cars have only two seats, don’t have great leg room, and don’t have much cargo space. Simply put, mid-engine cars aren’t very practical.

Japanese front engine, rear wheel drive cars

The front engine, rear drive layout is something that is much more common in Japanese cars. Heck, it’s just more common in cars in general as it is one of the oldest drivetrain layouts in automotive history.

Today, front engine, rear drive layouts are considered the quintessential set up for sports cars and even some super cars.

So, why is it beneficial to have the engine in the front and the drive wheels in the back? Again, there are many reasons but we’ll hit on some of the major ones.

What is the advantage of a front-engine car?

The biggest “advantage” of having the engine up front is that it makes car control easier. Having the engine in front of the driver means that there tends to be more weight on the front wheels. More weight on the front wheels means that the front wheels will have more grip. Thus, steering response is a bit more predictable and forgiving.

The side effect is that cars with engines in the front tend to understeer more. Though, in the interest of safety and control, that is seen as a good thing.

There are other benefits as well. A front-engine car tends to be a bit safer in front end collision accidents and front engine cars generally have more cabin space and cargo space so they are more practical.

What are the disadvantages of front-engine cars?

Generally speaking, front engine cars don’t have the same weight balance as mid engine cars. With more weight on the front wheels, front-engine cars will understeer more often than not. This is due to the front wheels being over-taxed by having the weight on them from the engine while also having to manage steering the vehicle as well. That results in an overly high level of adhesion (grip) which makes turning more difficult i.e. understeer. While understeer can be a benefit in terms of safety, when it comes to speed through corners, understeer can be a significant detriment.

How to make front-engine cars handle better

However, steps can still be taken to distribute weight evenly despite the engine being in front. For example, in certain sports cars like the new Toyota GR Supra, the engine can be mounted low and towards the back of the engine bay. The differential in the back provides some weight for the rear drive wheels as well.

It should also be said that a front engine car can still have near 50/50 weight distribution. One way to achieve that is if the car itself is small. An iconic example is the Mazda MX-5. Despite being a front engine car MX-5’s are known for being lightweight and having almost perfect weight distribution.

Front engine all wheel drive cars can have decent weight distribution as well due to the center and rear differentials spreading out some of the mass.

Is mid-engine better than front-engine?

In certain situations yes, mid-engine can be better than front engine. For those who are less concerned with practicality and have above average car control skills, mid-engine cars will likely be preferable for track days and competitive racing.

Is front-engine better than mid-engine?

Again the answer is yes, depending on the situation. Drivers looking for more predictability, safety, and more forgiving steering dynamics front-engine cars may be the way to go. Front-engine cars are also generally more practical as well so it can be argued that they make better daily drivers.

When it is all said and done, each platform has its advantages and disadvantages. When it comes to which platform is best, it depends on the wants of the driver. After all, the most important part of any car is the person sitting in the driver’s seat!

Which platform do you prefer? Front-engine or mid-engine? Let us know on Twitter at @GTChannel!

Front-engine vs Mid-engine Japanese cars