When it comes to purchasing a new car, one of the key decisions you'll need to make is choosing the right drivetrain configuration. Among the available types of drivetrains, two of the most common are front-wheel drive (FWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD). Each of these two-wheel drive configurations comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks, catering to different driving preferences and needs.
Front-Wheel Drive vs. Rear-Wheel Drive: Which Is Better?
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Explained
The Dynamics of Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Advantages of Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Vehicles
Strengths of Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Vehicles
Considering the Downsides of FWD and RWD Vehicles
Steering Your Decision - FWD or RWD?
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Explained
Just as it sounds, the engine in a FWD car powers the front wheels, requesting both propulsion and steering duties of the front tires. The weight of the transverse engine directly above these wheels helps provide the downforce needed to keep the tires glued to the road, helping them maintain excellent grip in almost all driving conditions.
For the first three quarters of the 20th century, FWD was extremely rare and RWD vehicles were the de facto standard. However, the energy crisis in the 1970’s caused consumers to look for more fuel efficient cars, and the simplicity of FWD in conjunction with downsizing became a popular answer for lower fuel consumption. Japanese cars, already small and often FWD, began to appear on American roads in significant numbers, leading to the acceptance and proliferation of FWD.
The next big catalyst that led to the proliferation of FWD was the implementation of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard in 1978. Domestic automakers, realizing the advantages of this lightweight and efficient drivetrain, soon filled dealer lots with their own front-wheel drive cars. By the late 1980’s FWD vehicles were widely available from both imported and domestic manufacturers.
The Dynamics of Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
A RWD car sends an engine’s power to the rear wheels, leaving the responsibility of steering to the front wheels. This separation of duties allows each set of wheels to perform a specific function, resulting in a more dynamic driving experience preferred by enthusiast drivers. It’s important to note that while most RWD cars place the engine in the front, there are a few exceptions such as the original Volkswagen Beetle and the Porsche 911, which locate the engine in the rear.
Since the dawn of mass-produced automobiles, front-engine cars driven by the rear wheels were the norm. American sedans, trucks, and sports cars were almost always RWD. Although manufacturers experimented with FWD over time, it never became mainstream for passenger cars until near the end of the 20th century. Today, RWD is more often reserved for performance-oriented cars and heavy duty vehicles like pickup trucks and SUVs.
Advantages of Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Vehicles
Value
Buyers seeking fuel efficiency and lower overall costs should look no further than FWD. Cars with FWD have fewer parts so buyers can expect a lower initial purchase price when purchasing new. Not buying new? These savings also tend to get passed on to shoppers of used cars as well.
Because the system is compact and uses fewer moving parts, owners of FWD vehicles will see continued savings at the service counter as there’s less to maintain. A lighter drivetrain system contributes directly to better fuel economy, which drivers will notice on every fill-up. The financial picture is less rosy for RWD, as the systems cost more at purchase, add weight, increase complexity, require additional scheduled maintenance, and certain parts may need to be replaced as they wear out.
Fuel Efficiency
In a FWD car, the entire engine, transmission (referred to as a transaxle specifically in this application) and drivetrain is typically one compact lightweight unit. Since only the front wheels need to be driven, the distance from the engine to the wheels is very short. This reduces driveline losses due to friction and rotational mass, and results in great fuel economy that almost always beats RWD.
Driving the rear wheels from an engine located in the front requires a driveshaft running the length of the car connecting the transmission first to a rear differential, and then outward via two additional axles to each wheel. These additional components add both friction and weight, resulting in a fuel economy penalty.
Handling and Safety in Varied Conditions
The weight of the engine over the front wheels provides better grip, contributing to increased safety and confidence in various weather conditions over a variety of surfaces. Electronic traction control further increases the ability of FWD vehicles to maintain grip in slippery conditions by employing wheel speed sensors to detect a wheel spinning faster than others and momentarily reducing power until traction returns. Additionally, many FWD vehicles can also be equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD).
Popular examples of FWD vehicles
Toyota Corolla
Hyundai Sonata
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Honda Civic
Mini Cooper
Strengths of Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Vehicles
Superior Handling and Performance
Drivers of both performance luxury and sports cars often demand the more rewarding and balanced driving characteristics afforded by RWD. In this configuration, the tires of a RWD vehicle are able to focus on one task leading to more balanced weight distribution and better performance in spirited driving. Conversely, FWD cars are burdened with the dueling tasks of both steering and propulsion, thus limiting their capability to perform best at both duties.
Durability and Longevity
Vehicles driven by the rear wheels can typically be outfitted with beefier drivetrain components contributing to their ruggedness, ability to perform under extreme conditions, and longevity. In addition, since the driving forces in rear-wheel drive cars are spread more evenly across four wheels and not two, this allows for added durability. You will notice that rear wheel drive and AWD or four-wheel-drive (4WD) are typically the only powertrain choices available on a majority of off-road vehicles. AWD vehicles can distribute power to all four wheels either on-demand or continuously.
Even Distribution and Towing Capacity
Drivers intending to tow should consider RWD their drivetrain of choice. A trailer or other load connected to a tow hitch will direct that weight onto the rear tires providing the grip needed to haul the heaviest loads. Meanwhile, the weight of the engine will do its part to keep the front tires planted for optimal steering. As with FWD vehicles, some RWD vehicles are also available with AWD.
Popular examples of RWD vehicles
Ford Mustang
Chevrolet Suburban
BMW 3 Series
Toyota Tacoma
Tesla Model 3
Considering the Downsides of FWD and RWD Vehicles
FWD Limitations
While handling typical driving situations with ease, FWD does have its drawbacks when being pushed hard in sporty driving. A condition called "understeer" can rear its ugly head due to a majority of the weight being at the front of the car combined with tires forced to power and steer at the same time. For example, accelerating heavily while trying to negotiate a sharp curve can cause the tires to lose grip, resulting in the front of the car plowing forward instead of into the intended turn.
Another phenomenon that drivers of FWD vehicles may encounter is torque steer. Because the front wheels tasked with propelling the car forward are connected to the steering wheel, it can unintentionally influence the steering under acceleration. Left uncorrected, this can cause the vehicle to veer left or right. The driver can of course counteract these unwanted forces with a tight grip, but easing up on the accelerator will also calm things down.
RWD Drawbacks
RWD can encounter issues with traction in slippery road conditions such as rain, snow, or ice, since the weight of the engine (in a front-engine vehicle) is not sitting over the driven wheels. Such loss of grip with the road under acceleration can also produce a disconcerting handling trait called oversteer. In an oversteer situation, the driver may inadvertently apply more power than the car's tires can handle, resulting in the back end sliding out. Luckily, this can be prevented by letting up on the accelerator in such conditions.
In addition to adding weight, RWD can negatively impact both the cargo area and interior space, as additional room must be sacrificed for the driveshaft, rear axle, and other driveline components.
Steering Your Decision - FWD or RWD?
The best choice for most commuters will likely be FWD. It combines efficiency, simplicity, and value that will save money up front and down the road. This system excels at providing better traction on slippery roads as well as predictable and safe handling in almost all conditions.
Sport-oriented drivers who demand more from their vehicle's handling, are willing to accept the higher associated costs, and who clearly understand the traction limits in poor weather will do well with RWD. Are you towing a trailer or anything more than a few thousand pounds? RWD, again, is the answer.
While most of the above advice also applies to electric vehicles (EVs), it’s worth mentioning that some vehicles, regardless of their powertrain, can act as either FWD, RWD, or AWD depending on the particular driving situation, splitting torque from the AWD system as needed for better handling.
Ultimately, your best drivetrain choice will be impacted by your driving requirements, geographic region, weather conditions, and budget.
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