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#1
The controversy has gone on for decades: which is better - front wheel drive or rear wheel drive? We used to have predominately rear wheel drive (RWD) automobiles on the road, but by the late 1970's, front wheel drive (FWD) vehicles were beginning to dominate. But the RWDs have again started making a comeback, let's have a look at the pros and cons of both:
FRONT WHEEL DRIVE:
Pros:
Cons:
REAR WHEEL DRIVE:
Pros:
Cons:
So what's your choice?
For me, it has to be RWD.
RWD rocks and FWD sucks!!
FRONT WHEEL DRIVE:
Pros:
- More economical to produce - hence lower sticker price
- Lighter in weight as driveshafts are shorter and no long distance power transmission(like in front engined RWD cars) is required.
- Better FE because of lesser weight and lower transmission losses.
- No hump in cabin, hence better cabin space
- Better traction on less grippy surfaces as the weight of engine is on the driving wheels itself.
Cons:
- Under steer
- Torque steer
- Turning angle of wheels can't be very high because of drive shafts
- Since the front is crowded, so there is less space for suspension components etc
- Lateral load transfer under heavy acceleration or ascending steep inclines removes most of the weight from the driving wheels making them less grippy
REAR WHEEL DRIVE:
Pros:
- Lateral load transfer under heavy acceleration or going uphill adds more grip to driving wheels
- No torque steer or under steer
- Better weight distribution due to components like differential etc present at the rear
- Since engine compartment isn't much crowded, nor the driving shafts do interfere in knuckle movements, so suspension and turning circle can be better.
Cons:
- Over steer
- Heavier in weight
- Higher production cost
- Power transmission hump in passenger cabin
- Front wheels/directing wheels have lesser traction on less grippy surfaces as compared to the FWD cars
So what's your choice?
For me, it has to be RWD.
RWD rocks and FWD sucks!!