TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT

[Mirek]

That diference doesn't mean much. What is of much higher importance is how far from the center of gravity the weight is placed, especially the portion of weight which sits outside the space between the axles. In that regard Impreza layout isn't good because there is a huge mass in front of the front axle. Not that bad as old I5 Audi Quattro but still not good.

Quattro S1 had weight distribution 50/50 and despite that it was horribly clumsy compared to the nimble Peugeot 205 T16 which had worse weight distribution but its weight was concentrated around the center of gravity while in the Audi it was placed far from it (the massive engine hanging in front was the cherry on top of the cake).

I have forgotten one more disadvantage. With the same vehicle length Subaru layout brings always shorter wheelbase due to the long front overhang.

The key to the handling is moment of inertia. Take a hammer and move it quickly from left to right. Then hold it closse to the iron, do the same and feel the difference. That's why the weight shall be concentrated as close to the center of gravity as possible. Few percent uneven distribution plays a little role compared to the momentum which is the weight multiplied by the distance.