ORIGINAL: peso
An interesting plane to study is the Cessna 337B. This plane has two identical engines and props. When flown with one engine only it has better performance with the rear engine than the front one.
See link
[link]http://www.skymaster.org.uk/perform.asp[/link]
I think I read that the Cessna Skymaster has better engine-out performance with the rear engine running because the airflow pattern happens to be a little bit better. The fuselage does about as good a job as possible to give the rear prop a clean airflow, and there are no struts, fuselage, etc. to get in the way of the airflow aft.
Even though it's not a 'hot' performer, I've always liked the Skymater.