10-07-2009, 07:04 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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EcoModding Lurker
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Atlanta Ga.
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Smallest FWD production car ?
I'm wanting to build a delta trike, diesel powered (wish VW Lupo engines were available in the states) and don't want to reinvent the (front) wheel.
What's the smallest FWD production car? Swift/Metro?
No I'm not looking for barely obtainable one-off cars. I am looking to save $$ same as everyone else here.
No I don't want a motorcycle/ rear drive setup, yes I know it would be simpler but they are less stable.
Small and LIGHT are the key factors here.
Thanks ya'll 
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10-07-2009, 07:52 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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EcoModding Lurker
Join Date: May 2008
Location: monticello , MS
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metro or diahatsu charade both have 1,000 cc motors.
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10-07-2009, 08:03 PM
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#3 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: california
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Any japanese Kei car.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kei_car
You can get complete used drive trains imported from japan for cheap. |
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10-07-2009, 08:42 PM
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#4 (permalink)
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Batman Junior
Join Date: Nov 2007
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Quote:
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No I'm not looking for barely obtainable one-off cars. I am looking to save $$ same as everyone else here.
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In that case, I think you have to look for a Metro clone.
Same reasons Jack is looking to source one for his Metro-based sports car build: Metro-powered sports car project |
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10-08-2009, 01:22 AM
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#5 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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I would agree on the Kei car, there were a few imported to the US with titles like the Honda N600, a 1,300 pound 4 seater with a 600cc engine, but you can buy a "not for road use" newer Kei car from a local dealership.
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10-08-2009, 03:16 AM
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#6 (permalink)
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EcoModding Apprentice
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: UK
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the original mini??
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R.I.P Henry Surtees 1991-2009
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10-08-2009, 12:49 PM
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#7 (permalink)
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EcoModder
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Harvest, Alabama
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The Chevy Sprint was really tiny (I know, I had one!). It was a 3 cylinder with a 900cc engine. I think we bought mine for $600, and sold it 8 years later for $400. I don't know how much it weighted, but it couldn't have been much if a 900cc engine pulled it along.
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10-08-2009, 01:30 PM
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#8 (permalink)
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Take me to your Earthling
Join Date: Oct 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by robchalmers
the original mini??
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Oh, no. We're saving those for me, when I want to do an electric conversion 
How about a Smart ForTwo? The first generation versions came with 0.6 and 0.7 liter gas engines, and a 0.8 diesel, all of them turbo'ed.
EDIT: Oh wait! But the Smart's engine is in the rear. Sorry!
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Piwoslaw's Peugeot 307sw modding thread
"You can't call yourself human if you think only of yourself."
Don't laugh at things you don't understand.
Quote:
Originally Posted by blueflame
The more you drive, the less you think. Thats why I always take the bus.
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Last edited by Piwoslaw; 10-08-2009 at 01:36 PM..
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10-08-2009, 01:50 PM
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#9 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Maynard, MA
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Hi,
The Smart is rear wheel drive, unfortunately.
The Scion xA is ~13' long, the new Mini is 12' long...
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10-08-2009, 02:46 PM
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#10 (permalink)
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Moderate your Moderation.
Join Date: Nov 2008
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I think we're looking for width, though, not length, right?
Grab a rotted VW bug, take the rear drivetrain/suspension from it, and build your delta frame off it.
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"¿ʞɐǝɹɟ ɐ ǝɹ,noʎ uǝɥʍ 'ʇı ʇ,usı 'ʎlǝuol s,ʇı"
Quote:
Originally Posted by tasdrouille
Because bean counters always win, that's why.
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