Are ordinary cars front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive?
2 Answers
Ordinary cars are generally front-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive means the two front wheels pull the rear wheels to move, while rear-wheel drive means the rear tires push the car forward through the transmission of the wheelbase. There is no significant difference during normal driving, but in rainy or snowy weather, the advantages of front-wheel drive become apparent. Front-wheel drive vehicles are more stable, making both passengers and drivers feel very safe without any skidding. In contrast, rear-wheel drive vehicles are completely different—they are prone to skidding and harder to control when turning, often leading to side slipping. Whether front-wheel or rear-wheel drive, the car is supported by both the front and rear wheels. In front-wheel drive cars, the front wheels are responsible for both driving and steering, which can lead to insufficient grip during sharp turns, making it difficult to complete the turn—this is called "understeer."
I've been driving for over a decade, and most regular cars are front-wheel drive. I remember my first Honda Civic was front-wheel drive, and it felt more stable in the city, especially in rain or snow without slipping. The reason is simple: front-wheel drive cars have the engine and drive wheels at the front, making them cheaper to design and manufacture, with higher space utilization, which lowers the overall vehicle price and maintenance costs. Later, I switched to several other cars, including a Toyota Corolla and a Nissan Altima, all front-wheel drive, as they are more suitable for daily commuting and fuel efficiency. Of course, rear-wheel drive is common in sports cars or luxury vehicles, like BMWs, but for ordinary commuter cars, front-wheel drive is the mainstream because they focus more on practicality and economy, saving money that can be spent elsewhere.