Not sure if I would say the battery out front is a "better location"...I guess it depends on your viewpoint.

Either you want it out front to service it, change it, disconnect it, etc. easily or you want it in back where it is protected from damage in an auto accident, stays warmer in cold climates, or is an absolute bugger to get out of there :p

This applies to a lot of things...I guess I have a weird look on things since I have seen all too many cars folded around, into, or through poles, walls, and other cars.

Saw a Ford Taurus the other day that slide sideways into a ditch..both wheels snapped off on the forward side of the slide and the engine compartment bit it hard agaist the ditch.
The battery was literally squeezed, from the bottom, right out of its home. The top posts were MUCH farther apart than they should have been
Luckily the lady's very young baby in the back seat was alright...she took a hit from the steering wheel or something...but not bad.

The VW has its battery under the passenger seat (not even the fire department knew this one) but we all know that was the eventual demise of many a good old VW as the battery ate the floor away