Which cars have rear-mounted engines?
2 Answers
There are several cars with rear-mounted engines, including the Porsche 911 series and the Smart Fortwo. Rear-mounted engines come in two drivetrain configurations: rear-engine, rear-wheel drive (RR) and rear-engine, all-wheel drive (R4). The Porsche 911 series and Smart Fortwo use the RR layout, while only the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S models feature the R4 setup. The Porsche 911 is a sports car manufactured by Porsche in Stuttgart, Germany. In terms of dimensions, the Porsche 911 measures 4491mm in length, 1808mm in width, and 1295mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2450mm. Exterior-wise, the Porsche 911 features a rear light panel that integrates parking lights and taillights, visually connecting the two taillights with a continuous design.
I've driven rear-engine cars a few times, and it's a unique experience with the engine positioned at the back. Take the Porsche 911 series as a classic example—it delivers exhilarating power and agile cornering, though the rear window visibility can be limited during winter fog. Another common model is the older Volkswagen Beetle, compact and affordable, but with limited rear luggage space, which I found inconvenient on suburban trips. The Smart Fortwo is a breeze for city parking, though highway driving brings noticeable wind noise. Some Fiat 500 variants also feature rear engines, great for daily commutes but tricky for maintenance, like oil changes. If you're after a distinctive drive, these are solid picks—rear engines enhance rear-wheel performance, but watch for summer overheating; adding an aftermarket radiator can spice things up. Overall, rear-engine designs offer thrilling handling at the cost of space and practicality, so test-driving to find the right balance is key.
