Disadvantages Overhang (car)

rear-engined 911: engine s center of mass concentrated within overhang, outside wheelbase.

excessive weight concentrated outside of wheelbase can interfere accurate negotiation of corners @ high speed. rear-engined porsche 911, engine far in rear, notorious dangerous oversteer in days, , cars engines far in front suffered opposite problem of understeer, many old american cars heavy v8 engines infamous. front-engined ferraris, such ferrari 612 scaglietti place engines within wheelbase, avoid problem of understeer. reducing overhanging weight in sports cars priority, notable exception of 911.

in contrast, excellent handling of mini, wheels pushed far out @ each corner, can partly credited small overhang. classic mini , new mini automobiles little overhang , handle under extreme conditions. minimal overhang gives mini bulldog-like stance.

rear overhang may present problem in large vehicles such buses. long rear overhang require driver pay attention nearby vehicles when turning @ 90 degrees. since rear overhang outside wheelbase, may hit vehicle in adjacent lane, when turning 90 degrees right (in right-hand drive country).

also, specialized vehicles (such general hmmwv , related hummer h1) designed no frontal overhang, allowing possess incredible abilities such climbing vertical walls. does, however, place these vehicles front wheels furthest forward point of vehicle, can lead disastrous results in event of frontal collision.