21 of the most powerful front-wheel-drive cars of the 20th century

Muscle-bound front-drivers

Front-wheel drive has played an important role in the motor car’s evolution since pre-war days – you only have to look at the success and influence of Citroën’s 7, or Traction Avant, as evidence of that. 

But feeding copious amounts of power through the front wheels has had a far from linear evolution through the last century, with those auto makers who did put the ‘horse before the cart’ largely saving the technology for more mundane applications.

Some, though, did break the mold, and while their brawny front-drivers only appeared sporadically until the 1980s (after when such cars became en vogue), we’ve selected some of the most notable 20th-century offerings, all of which deployed at least 127HP through their front wheels. 

Let the torque-steer begin.

The cars are presented in chronological order. All power output figures are from Haymarket Automotive, unless stated otherwise

1. 1907 Christie GP car (130HP)

One of the earliest front-wheel-drive pioneers, US engineer Walter Christie had already trialed his eponymous racer on home soil before he entered the car for the 1907 French Grand Prix, completing four of the event’s 10 48-mile laps before retiring.

Nonetheless, the Christie’s technology was like no other at the time.

Powered by a 130HP, 19.4-liter, V4 engine mounted transversely between the front wheels, its crankcase formed the front axle, while also housing the transmission.

A later derivative of the Christie set a lap record at Indianapolis in 1916, with an average speed of 102.6mph.

Data from OldMachinePress.com

2. 1924 Miller 122 race car (200HP)

Harry A Miller’s cars became a force to be reckoned with on the board tracks of America, well into the post-war years.

But in the mid-1920s, his engineering team dabbled with front-wheel drive as a way of gaining better traction out of the fast bends at Indianapolis and also for better aerodynamics, thanks to a lack of propshaft and therefore lower bodywork.

Only two front-drive Miller 122s were built, each powered by a 1980cc, supercharged, straight-eight engine that could power the car to more than 140mph.

Data from The Revs Institute

3. 1929 Cord L-29 (127HP)

The Cord L-29 was the first US front-wheel-drive car on sale to the public, and a flag-bearer for company founder Errett Lobban Cord’s unstinting belief in the advantages of the new technology.

Cord employed ex-Miller man Cornelius van Ranst to develop the transmission, which used a similar de Dion front set-up to his Indianapolis racer, along with inboard front brakes and – for the first time in any production car – constant-velocity joints.

However, despite its decent handling and lower, more aerodynamic bodywork, the L-29’s 127HP 5-liter Lycoming ‘straight-eight’ struggled to propel the two-tonne-plus car to more than 80mph.

By 1932, the effects of the Wall Street Crash had put paid to L-29 sales, and production ended after only 4400 cars had been sold.

Data from Car & Driver

4. 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado (385HP)

The sizeable gap between the launch of our last car and the 1966 Toronado is because, during that time, only American manufacturers were producing front-wheel-drive cars with at least 127HP, and – other than the 1936 Cord 810, which was no more powerful than the L-29 – no other FWD car had been launched Stateside.

But the Oldsmobile Toronado made up for that. Developed from a design rendering never intended for production, GM underpinned the new car with its E-platform which was also to be used for the rear-drive Buick Riviera.

Power came from GM’s 7-liter Rocket V8, which was mated to a specially adapted version of the company’s Turbo-Hydramatic transmission – contemporary tests produced 0-60mph times of 7.5 secs, with a top speed of 135mph.

A well-regarded car – the Toronado even managed a third place in the 1966 European Car of the Year contest – it was popular with buyers, selling more than 40,000 units in its first year.

5. 1970 Cadillac Eldorado Mk8 (400HP)

Of all the cars here, this particular Cadillac model is the most powerful – and arguably puts any other 20th-century front-driver in the shade when judged by outright HP alone.

Originally launched in its eighth generation in 1967, sharing the Oldsmobile Toronado’s E-platform underpinnings and clever ‘unified-powerplant package’, the Eldorado was available with a 7-liter V8 from launch.

But, three years later, an 8.2-liter (500cu in) version was offered with 400HP and 550LB FT of torque.

However, the writing was on the wall when the Mk9 Eldorado arrived, with power outputs tumbling because of the strangling effects of emission controls.

6. 1970 Citroën SM (172HP)

Citroën’s purchase of Maserati in 1968 led to the creation of one of the most eccentric front-wheel-drive performance cars of the 1970s: the Robert Opron-designed Citroën SM.

Incorporating much of the avant-garde technology from the front-driven DS model, such as self-leveling, hydropneumatic suspension, self-leveling headlights that swiveled as the steering wheel turned, and variable power-assisted steering, the SM added a Maserati engine into the mix.

Later used in Maserati’s Merak, and initially of 2.7-liter capacity, the V6 engine, with triple-Weber carburation, produced 172HP.

Acceleration of 0-60mph in 8.5 secs trailed many rivals, but thanks to excellent aerodynamics the SM could achieve a maximum speed of 137mph.

7. 1979 Saab 900 turbo (145HP)

Saab was a front-runner when it came to mixing turbocharged engines with front-wheel-drive transmissions during the 1970s, having already enjoyed success with its earlier 99 turbo.

The 900’s Triumph-derived, 2-liter, four-cylinder ‘B’ engine was canted over by 45 degrees and fitted ‘backwards’ in the car, with a transaxle at the bottom of the engine with its own oil supply (unlike that in the original Mini, which was shared oil with the engine).

Turbocharged models arrived a year after launch, in either three- or five-door hatchback form.

Performance was respectable, rather than vivid, with a notable surge midway through the rev range as the turbo took hold. Which was fine, unless it happened midway through a bend – especially in the wet.

8. 1983 Audi 200 Turbo (220HP)

Vorsprung durch Technik – remember Audi’s old TV ads?

It translates as ‘Advantage through Technology’, and for Ingolstadt’s third-generation 100/200 models, the slogan was genuinely apt.

These were large, front-wheel-drive, executive sedans weighing from just 1100KG (2425LB) and achieving a class-leading Cd (aerodynamic) figure of 0.30, helped by a roof shorn of gutters and window glass that fitted flush to the big Audi’s sleek, rounded body.

The 1983 200 Turbo was the most powerful of them all, though, its blown 2.2-liter, 20-valve, five-cylinder engine producing 220HP, leading to a sub-7-sec 0-60mph time and a top speed of 139mph.

9. 1984 Saab Turbo 16 Aero (175HP)

Based on Saab’s 900 turbo, the Turbo 16, or ‘T16’, boosted performance still further in the face of increasing and ever-more-powerful 1980s competition.

Now fitted with a 16-valve, 2-liter engine, the T16 sported a bodykit, and its chassis was equipped with lower and stiffer suspension.

As well as now producing 175HP for UK and European markets, torque also increased to 210LB FT.

10. 1985 Citroën CX25 GTi Turbo 2 (169HP)

The much-loved DS model was always going to be a hard act for Citroën to follow, but the CX’s 17-year production life – as well as it being awarded European Car of the Year in 1975 – suggested that the new model had well and truly hit the mark.

Often referred to as the last ‘proper’ Citroën, the CX used a heavily revised version of the hydropneumatic suspension from the DS, and was powered by a series of four-cylinder, transversely mounted engines, including a 169HP turbocharged 2.4-liter version, which arrived 11 years after launch and was badged ‘GTi Turbo 2’.

Streamlined, and unique from other class rivals, the Robert Opron-designed CX had an impressive drag coefficient of just 3.6Cd, and was available with a choice of two wheelbases, or as a station wagon.

11. 1986 Lancia Thema 8.32 (215HP)

Based on the front-wheel-drive Type Four platform shared by Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Saab and Lancia, the 8.32 was the latter’s most powerful derivative of its Thema model.

First revealed at the Turin show in 1986, Lancia fitted a 2927cc, naturally aspirated V8 based on the unit that powered Ferrari’s 308 and Mondial quattrovalvole.

Producing a cool 215HP at 6750rpm, the 8.32 could clip 62mph in 6.8 secs, and achieve a top speed of 149mph.

Lavishly equipped inside, and intended as a rival for the Ford Sierra Cosworth and Vauxhall/Opel Lotus Carlton/Omega, 3971 Lancia Thema 8.32s were sold before production ended in 1992.

12. 1987 Shelby Charger GLH-S (175HP)

You may recall the slightly earlier GLH-S from 1986, based on the Dodge Omni (in UK/Europe the Talbot Horizon) which was breathed on by Shelby American and sold through selected Dodge dealerships in the US.

However, in 1987, Shelby applied the ‘GLH-S’ moniker (Goes Like Hell – S’more) to its front-wheel-drive Charger model.

Fitted with a 2.2-liter turbocharged ‘four’, it could hit 60mph from zero in 6.5 secs and on to a top speed of 135mph.

Just 500 examples of the Shelby Charger GLH-S were produced.

13. 1989 Ford Taurus SHO (220HP)

Creating clear space between it and other Ford Taurus models, the SHO – for Super High Output – was initially intended for limited production, but ended up as a high-performance derivative of the first three generations of Taurus up to 1999.

Externally identifiable by its different bumpers, hood and side-cladding, and inside by its sports seats, the Taurus was assembled at Ford’s Atlanta plant in Georgia.

Power came from a Yamaha-developed 3-liter V6, redlined at 7000rpm, and delivered 220HP through the SHO’s front wheels.

Acceleration from 0-60mph took just 6.6 secs, with a quarter-mile time of 15 secs.

14. 1989 Vauxhall/Opel Astra GTE 16v (150HP)

Vauxhall/Opel’s first attempt at a hot Astra, the Mk1 GTE, only lasted two years before the range was replaced by the Mk2.

While a GTE version of the new car appeared early on, it wasn’t until later in the decade that the model gained some real fire-power after the company’s twin-cam, ‘red-top’, 2-liter, 16-valve engine was installed, raising power to 150HP.

Memorable to many for its instrument panel’s digital speed read-out, as well as its color-coded exterior features, the Vauxhall/Opel Astra GTE could sprint to 60mph in 7 secs and on to a top speed of 134mph.

15. 1990 Mitsubishi GTO (FWD) (300HP)

Sold in multiple markets around the world, the Mitsubishi GTO was only so-named in Japan.

Based on Mitsubishi’s Sigma/Diamante front-wheel-drive platform (though with the option of four-wheel drive on certain performance derivatives), it was powered by a transversely mounted, 3-liter, 24-valve, V6 engine, producing up to 300HP in turbocharged guise.

16. 1991 Volkswagen Corrado VR6 (190HP)

Volkswagen had launched the Corrado in 1988 as an upmarket alternative to the Scirocco, basing it on the existing Golf MkII platform.

The VR6 derivative was introduced in 1991, its front wheels powered by a narrow-angle V6 engine displacing 2861cc, with two offset banks of cylinders at 15 degrees to one another, but using just one cylinder head. 

Performance was excellent by the standards of the early 1990s, with a claimed 0-62mph time of 6.7 secs, thanks to outputs of 190HP and 180LB FT of torque.

17. 1991 Volkswagen Golf VR6 (176HP)

While the VW Golf VR6 used the same narrow-angle V6 engine as the Corrado – albeit with slightly less power and fewer emissions – it was based around the Golf MkIII, although the new model brought only fairly subtle changes over its predecessor.

However, fitting a six-cylinder engine into a hatchback created a new sub-sector in the market, and one that few rivals could compete with, because of the VR6’s clever packaging.

There was also little sacrifice in performance versus the Golf’s more sporty Corrado stablemate, with 0-60mph arriving in 7.1 secs and on to a top speed of 138mph.

18. 1993 Cadillac Allanté (295HP)

Aiming to combine US engineering with Italian design flair, the Allanté convertible was Cadillac’s first two-seater model of the modern age, and brought back a name not used by the brand since the 1930s.

The Allanté’s body was designed and manufactured by Pininfarina in Italy, and up to 56 at a time were then flown to Detroit in a specially adapted Boeing 747 for final assembly.

Based on a shortened version of the Eldorado’s platform, the Cadillac Allanté was powered by V8 engines ranging in size from 4.1 to 4.6 liters, the latter of which produced 295HP.

Made between 1987-’93, more than 22,000 Allantés were built.

19. 1993 Alfa Romeo 164 Quadrifoglio Verde (232HP)

Like the Lancia Thema 8.32, the Alfa Romeo 164 used the Type Four platform, also shared with Fiat and Lancia.

Alfa’s 164 QV first appeared in 1990, but a couple of years later its 24-valve, 2-liter V6 engine rose in power, along with a small increase in torque.

There was no mistaking the QV, either: a deeper front spoiler and side skirts were the visual clues, along with sculpted sports seats inside.

The car also sat 2in lower, and benefited from uprated springs and dampers.

Out-accelerating all other 164 models, the 164 QV could hit 62mph in 7.5 secs and manage a top speed of 152mph, making it one of the fastest production, front-wheel-drive cars of the last century.

20. 1993 Saab 9000 2.3 Turbo Aero (225HP)

The third car in our gallery to use the Type Four architecture, Saab’s 9000 Turbo Aero was first revealed at the 1992 Paris motor show, going on sale the following year.

Powered by Saab’s 2.3-liter ‘four’, complete with Mitsubishi TD04 turbocharger to generate a healthy 225HP, the Aero was identifiable by its color-coded bodykit and spoiler, and 16in Super Aero wheels.

At the time, the Aero was the fastest model Saab had ever produced, its in-gear acceleration from 50-75mph beating that of a Ferrari Testarossa and Porsche Carrera 4.

21. 1995 Honda Integra Type R (200HP)

The first-generation Honda Integra Type R is often mooted as one of the best-handling, front-wheel-drive cars in the business.

Powered by Honda’s double-overhead cam VTEC ‘four’, producing 200HP at a heady 8000rpm, the Integra transmitted power to its front wheels via a five-speed gearbox and limited-slip differential.

Double-wishbone suspension was used all round, while the Honda Integra Type R’s weight was minimized, and its body strengthened to make it more rigid.

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