Are there more front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive cars?

[NolanMarie]

Currently, most cars on the market adopt front-wheel drive (FWD), which means the engine is placed at the front and drives the front wheels. Advantages and disadvantages of front-wheel drive: Advantages: The powertrain structure is compact, with shorter drive shafts and lower power output loss. In terms of handling, FWD cars inherently have understeer characteristics, making them easier to drive. In terms of layout, since there is no driveshaft passing through the cabin, the central floor hump can be reduced, providing more usable cabin space. Disadvantages: During acceleration, the front axle load decreases, leading to reduced tire grip and affecting power output. Additionally, the front axle bears excessive load because the front wheels are responsible for both driving and steering. Due to the heavier front-end weight distribution, front tires wear out faster. The burden on the front axle during acceleration or braking is heavier, resulting in more noticeable lift and dive effects, which impacts ride comfort. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) refers to a configuration where the engine is placed at the front and drives the rear wheels. Most racing cars use rear-wheel drive. Advantages and disadvantages of rear-wheel drive: Advantages: The front and rear wheels have different roles, with steering and driving functions separated, leading to higher stability at high speeds. RWD cars have better climbing ability and more balanced weight distribution between the front and rear, offering superior handling, which is why most racing cars still use RWD. Disadvantages: The presence of a driveshaft causes a central floor hump, affecting interior space and layout. Power loss is greater since the engine's power must pass through the driveshaft before reaching the driving wheels, resulting in higher energy loss compared to FWD cars. A common practical drawback is that RWD cars generally consume more fuel than FWD cars.