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Old 10-07-2009, 06:04 PM   #1 (permalink)
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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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Old 10-07-2009, 06:52 PM   #2 (permalink)
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metro or diahatsu charade both have 1,000 cc motors.
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Old 10-07-2009, 07:03 PM   #3 (permalink)
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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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Old 10-07-2009, 07:42 PM   #4 (permalink)
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Quote:
No I'm not looking for barely obtainable one-off cars. I am looking to save $$ same as everyone else here.
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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Old 10-08-2009, 12:22 AM   #5 (permalink)
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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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Old 10-08-2009, 02:16 AM   #6 (permalink)
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the original mini??
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Old 10-08-2009, 11:49 AM   #7 (permalink)
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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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Old 10-08-2009, 12:30 PM   #8 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by robchalmers View Post
the original mini??
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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Old 10-08-2009, 12:50 PM   #9 (permalink)
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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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Old 10-08-2009, 01:46 PM   #10 (permalink)
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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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