Are There Rear-Engine, Rear-Wheel-Drive Cars?
2 Answers
There are rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive cars. Here is some additional information: Disadvantages of rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive: Reduced front-wheel grip affects high-speed stability, requiring special aerodynamic designs to generate downforce on the front wheels. Overemphasizing aerodynamics can negatively impact space utilization and cost control. Engine cooling requires special airflow management—since the engine is at the rear, radiator placement is challenging, necessitating special air ducts to direct airflow to the radiator. Exhaust system layout is difficult due to limited space behind the engine, increasing the cost of exhaust noise insulation. Rear-wheel-drive cars exhibit strong oversteering tendencies, making them harder to control.
Of course! I've driven some cars, and the most classic one is the Porsche 911. Its engine is located in the trunk area, and it's rear-wheel drive. This design ensures a more balanced weight distribution, making it particularly stable when cornering on mountain roads and less prone to skidding. Other examples like the old Beetle and the Smart Fortwo are also typical rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive cars. Although this layout can make the engine slower to start in cold winters, the handling is top-notch, giving a feeling of flying close to the ground. I think these types of cars are especially suitable for those who pursue driving pleasure. They might be a bit cramped for daily city driving, but they're a joy on long trips.
