Is Front-Wheel Drive Safer or Rear-Wheel Drive Safer?
1 Answers
Front-wheel drive is safer. In front-wheel drive vehicles, the engine and transmission are integrated and mounted on the subframe. During a collision, the powertrain is more likely to move rearward and sink downward. Some transversely mounted engines have a significant distance from the firewall, providing more crumple space. The greater the crumple space, the better it can absorb collision energy and protect the occupants. In rear-wheel drive vehicles, the transmission extends a driveshaft to connect to the rear axle differential, which is fixed to the rear subframe. After a collision, the engine in a rear-wheel drive vehicle is less prone to moving rearward and sinking, which can intrude into the passenger compartment and threaten the safety of the occupants.