The front-wheel-drivetrain has many advantages, and it is known for being inexpensive to produce, cheap to maintain, and stable in poor weather. That is why it can usually be found on everyday economy models, compacts and mid-size sedans.
Even though the FWD has its limitations when it comes to performance and power delivery, it still can be found on some genuine performance cars and achieve impressive top speeds. Here, we've compiled a list of fastest front-wheel-drive vehicles, which consists of an eclectic mix of hot hatches, sedans, and proper sports coupes.
15 Mazdaspeed 3 – 155 MPH
This well-known hot hatch was a sensation when it first appeared in 2007. With 255 hp sent to the front axle, it was prone to torque steering, but fans loved the car nevertheless. The 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder propelled this Mazda to respectable 155 mph.
14 Honda Civic Type R – 169 MPH
The new generation of super hatches all went AWD, but Honda is sticking to the good-old front-wheel-drive system. The new Civic Type R is one of the fastest and most capable cars in its class and true supercar-killer. This model currently holds an FWD record at Nurburgring which says a lot about its performance.
13 Cadillac STS – 150 MPH
The early 2000s Cadillac STS was the most powerful car with front-wheel-drive sending 305 hp from its 4.6-liter V8. The top speed was electronically limited to 130 mph, but those who removed the limiter reached 150 mph with ease. With those numbers, the STS was a true competitor to Mercedes S-Class or BMW 7-Series.
12 Acura Integra Type R – 145 MPH
A benchmark car in terms of handling, high-revving engine, and lightweight construction was also one of the fastest FWD cars of its era. Pushing that V-Tech engine to its limits will get you to a respectable 149 mph. This one is the definitive future classic and gets one while you can.
11 Ford Focus RS500 – 165 MPH
The Focus RS500 was a unique beast. Produced in only 500 examples and with the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine which delivered 350 hp to the front wheels, it was a handful to drive. To tame all that power, Ford equipped RS with Revo Knuckle front suspension setup.
related: 10 Best All-Wheel-Drive Cars Of 2019, Ranked
10 Volkswagen Sirocco R – 155 MPH
It is a shame that US customers never got the Sirocco R. But think of it as FWD brother of Golf R with the same engine, basically identical performance, and better looks. This model was produced from 2008 till 2017, and it is a future classic. Volkswagen never sold it here since it was afraid that the Sirocco will cannibalize Golf GTI's sales.
9 Toyota Celica TS – 140 MPH
One of the last well-sorted Toyota's sports cars was the Celica TS. With its high-revving four-cylinder engine, 190 hp, and capable front-wheel-drive, this model was fast and very dynamic to drive. Its secret was lightweight construction and sharp steering.
8 Chevrolet Cobalt SS – 160 MPH
One of the most surprising compact cars of the early 21st century is the Chevrolet Cobalt SS. Available with a supercharged or turbocharged engine; this front-wheel-drive model is speedy and capable. Nobody expected this level of performance from Chevrolet's compact car.
7 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT – 140 MPH
Back when Mitsubishi made exciting cars, the Eclipse GT was one of the most sought after models. The reason? A powerful V6 engine, dynamic styling, great performance, and precise steering. Too bad Mitsubishi doesn`t have anything similar in its current lineup of models.
6 Renault Megane RS – 158 MPH
Sadly not available in the US, Renault has one of the European hot hatch kings with Megane RS. Its powerful 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder sends all of its power to front wheels and makes it immensely capable in the right hands. There are some rumors that Renault will be returning to America soon so maybe the next generation RS will be sold here.
related: Pros And Cons: AWD Vs. 2-Wheel Drive
5 Alfa Romeo GTV 3.2 – 158 MPH
The forgotten '90s Alfa GTV is a compact sports car with a thoroughbred V6, front-wheel-drive, and screaming exhaust note. Virtually unknown outside Europe, this Alfa was fast a and good looking two-door. The good thing is that you can import one now and the prices are very affordable.
4 Audi TT – 155 MPH
Although it was built on the Golf platform, the Audi TT is so much more. The top-of-the-line spec models have Quattro AWD, but base models have FWD and 220 hp on tap. More than enough for exhilarating performance. If you didn't know, the ordinary Volkswagen Golf and Audi TT share the same platform.
3 Fiat Coupe – 149 MPH
The cool-looking Fiat Coupe had an impressive, five-cylinder turbo engine and front-wheel-drive. With over 200 hp on tap, the Coupe was called “Poor man's Ferrari,” especially if it was painted in bright red. The handling left something to be desired since the Coupe was based on the Fiat Tipo, an economy hatchback model.
2 Dodge Neon SRT-4 – 153 MPH
Everyone's favorite early 2000s pocket rocked is the Neon SRT-4. With its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, FWD, and enormous tuning potential, the SRT-4 was fast straight from the box and even faster when equipped with aftermarket parts.
1 Chevrolet Impala SS – 150 MPH
Even though the 2003 Impala SS had a factory-limited top speed of 130 mph, everybody felt that the car had more potential. And it did. When the limit was removed, front-wheel-drive Impala quickly went all the way to 150 mph. This model was the only Impala SS ever produced with the FWD layout.