I have knowledge in this area but had to explain this to a quick fit fitter after
Seeing them out new tyres on the front axle of front wheel drive, poor tyres on the rear axle.

If you're getting new tyres for on axle and don't know or care on which axle the should be fitted this article explains the danger

Tyre fitment

New tyres on the back. It's nothing to do with 'new' and everything to do with wet grip and particularly aquaplaning under braking.

A car with just the rear wheels locked is unconditionally unstable, and will *always* try to swap ends.

Can't use that rule on a rear wheel drive car with a staggered setup though.

True. But this article applies to standard setups.

staggered setup you mean larger tyres on the rear axle than of course it would not apply.

The undersear / oversteer is what user may want to understand

I guess it depends whether you want to go head on or backwards into something else! I know and understand the point that is being made, but have generally been of the feeling that I personally would prefer to deal with some oversteer than the total loss of control understeer can create in extreme situations. Maybe starting my driving experience in a Triumph Herald gave me a different view to many!

I too grew up with rear wheel drive, and prefer it... but the point here is that most current drivers didn't. Including many of the drivers here.

However, in *any* car designed since the seventies or eighties, *forwards* is how you want to hit things. That's where they've designed the strength, the crumple zones, the airbags, and the cabin protection.

If the tyres that one is moving from the back are so bad that you don't feel safe on them, then buy four tyres!

If there is only a slight difference you will not notice in everyday driving, but on a horrid wet day, you may well be very glad you put the tyres with a bit more tread on the back - especially on a Coupe where the back is rather light anyway.

Very valid points - I did try to emphasise it was my own preference rather than something I would suggest for others.

At least if you hit things backwards there is built in head protection in a modern car