actually the answer to that is simple. name one non FWD platform with those numbers that are even in the ballpark pricewise. the only thing that comes to mind is the WRX which is short 40 hp and 55 tq and loses much more of its power to the drivetrain. its not like the 70’s where a young adult could afford a powerful RWD muscle car. the affordable “muscle cars” of the modern era have become small, lightweight and nimble FWD econoboxes. you can even see the changing of trends in drag racing. shit would you ever have expected to see a FWD car run in the low 7’s and trap 200+ mph? the big displacement RWD cars of today have shot up to the $30,000+ range and are not affordable for most young adults.