Originally Posted by janvanvurpa
Zico there you're getting closer to what I see differing more: overhang front and rear.
Ford pointed out how effective the old wonderful Lancia Delta intergrale was (97.4" wheelbase, like a GolfII) especially how nearly untouchable on tarmac it was.
That shorter overhang was a key part when the Sierra and Sapphire Cosworths was made shorter from 102.7" whelbase to 100.5 for the Escort Cosworth.
Barely 2.2" wheelbase but well shorter in front and WAAAAAAAAAY shorter in the rear overhang, more than 5 inches shorter in the rear.
The French have been the Champions of maximum internal space for a given model segment for decades by putting the wheels right at the corners and have nearly NO overhang, and it seems to work especially well on tarmac.
The stability coming from longer wheelbase isn't a big deal on WRC or GpA cars because they have fully adjustable suspension links and can set up the car with LOTS, 4+ degrees of castor and even a short wheelbase car can be made stable with enough castor and some toe in.
