fugly1

Lots of HP under the hood makes me happy, but the idea of lots of HP right behind me makes me uncomfortable. I'm not familiar with ME cars (I rode in a fiero in the '80s), so maybe it's a non-issue, but I'm wondering if the engine being so close to you gives others pause, as well. I rode street bikes for many years with the engine between my legs (not to mention the gas tank in my crotch), and it never bothered me. The ME thing might be bothering me because of the insane physical forces in these high performance engines. 850hp right behind my head? Yikes. Is it just me?

FrankLP

Plenty of MEs out there for you to research safety stats.

Not to worry. The biggest risk in any high HP sports car (ME or not) is likely the ability, and/or judgement of the operator.

Shaka

Check the engine mounts regularly so the engine doesn't land up in the front seat if you brake hard or hit something. Don't smoke in there either. Wear ear plugs and have a fire extinguisher handy. It should be OK.

DickieDoo

A carbon fiber bulkhead with kevlar would make me feel right at ease.

lbzraptor

The engine behind the driver instead of in front should be safer as far as anything happening to you because of the motor.

RedLS6

For the OP, on the other side you've probably driven cars in the past with a spinning clutch or torque converter inches away from your right foot and never thought twice about it. The ME should be relatively safe.

rgregory

It is overall better. For 1 you don't have hot exhaust travelling under the whole length of the car. Either design you have a firewall separating the cabin from the engine. That engine weight is also more distributed over the rear axle thus making it safer to put the power down. Not that this seems to be much of an issue anymore but in the event of a clutch explosion it isn't sending parts into your legs.

50/50 weight distribution is a bogus figure, polar moment of inertia is what matters which is much better with mid engine making them turn better.

With ME you can run smaller front tires that help to eliminate the car from from following the grooves on the highway.

sunsalem

Nothing to worry about.
Engines these days are designed to drop to the ground in a big collision rather than being pushed into the cabin.

Here is a picture of a wrecked Ferrari Enzo at very high speed.
In the foreground is the engine...in the background is the rest of the car forward of the engine:

lostsoul

and the driver rolled into France

JoesC5

Cars with the engine located in front of the driver normally have the gas tank(s) located behind the driver. Maybe the mid engine Corvette will have the gas tank located in the center tunnel(as did the Pontiac Fiero) where it will be less likely to be damaged in a rear ender, thus less chance of a fire.

copjsd

Here's an example: http://autoweek.com/article/wait-the...pressure-plate

sunsalem

A modified Mazda detonation shouldn't give anyone buying a Vette anything to worry about.

fugly1

Ok, so maybe I am the only one....

But you guys have not quelled my neuroticism. I will probably just have to continue to suffer with an FME design, big V8, manual trans, and rwd. Oh, well.

sunsalem

If you find this situation uncomfortable, I suggest you use Google to research this issue with other MEs (Ferrari, Lambo, etc.).
If that doesn't work, there is always Valium.

CliffB-99

I drove a Lamborghini Aventador in Vegas for a few laps. Very unusual feeling to have the engine "push" you through the corners. If I get a ME Corvette, it will take some getting used to for sure.

sunsalem

I did too at Exoticsracing.com and it was a huge disappointment.
That's the AWD talking to ya.
You can't turn in quickly (like you can with a RWD) without a healthy shot of understeer.
Next time you're there compare it to a 458 or a 488...big BIG difference.
I hated the frickin' Lambo and vowed never to buy an AWD Sportscar.

Davide36

Bill Dearborn

My opinion is AWD combines the worst characteristics of FWD and RWD in one vehicle. My Tahoe is an AWD setup. Not Full Time 4WD, AWD. It has more under steer than a RWD Tahoe and has more more power on over steer than FWD vehicles. It can downshift when going through a turn under power and when the shift happens it will change lanes due to the severe under steer exhibited.

Bill

G fix needy

It'll be interesting to see how the Audi R8 V10 RWS drives, but production will be even more limited than the ZR1

sunsalem

The funny thing is I have owned every generation of the Jeep GC going back over 20 years and I love the things.
Almost impossible to put one in understeer on the highway...even when pushed to the edge.
The Lambo jumped into understeer so easily, so quickly it stunned me.