I am toying with a few ideas for a locost kit car. My two main contenders are an RX-7 (13b) powered front engine, or a Saab 900 turbo (16valve, pre-GM) powered mid.

I've taken measurements on both engines and the Saab's unit would defidently place the vehicles center of gravity higher, however a mid-engined vehicle calls to me, and I have a big soft spot for classic Saabs.

I guess the point is: will the mid engined design's higher center of gravity make the handeling of the vehicle significantly worse than that of a front engined one?

Thanks

It's impossible to answer. Will it change the handling? Yes, but whether it's "signficant" is completely subjective, based upon what you call "significant".

FWIW a driver got a chance to drive Senna's F1 car and said it was totally undrivable... what does that tell you? Everyone will want a car a certain way, and what's perfect for one is terrible for another.

About the engine choice, while the rotary has some good points, carefully weigh all its "features" like blistering hot, ear-bleeding loud exhaust. Small they are, light they are not. Also, with the output shaft in the center of the engine, it'll need to be fairly low which could cause big problems with the oil sump. You owe it to yourself to get a ride in a rotary-powered 7 first and see if you mind the noise.

[Edited on 8/23/05 by kb58]