What are Front-Wheel Drive and Rear-Wheel Drive Vehicles?
1 Answers
Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles are propelled by the engine driving the front wheels, which pull the entire vehicle forward. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicles are propelled by the engine driving the rear wheels, which push the entire vehicle forward. The most significant difference lies in their distinct drivetrain configurations. The specific differences between FWD and RWD vehicles are as follows: FWD vehicles are more cost-effective, fuel-efficient, and economical; they typically employ a transversely mounted engine layout, resulting in a more compact spatial footprint. However, they are prone to understeer (commonly referred to as 'pushing' in corners by drivers), exhibit weaker traction that may lead to wheel slip, and demonstrate a front-heavy weight distribution during cornering, making them unsuitable for aggressive driving maneuvers. In contrast, RWD vehicles are slightly more expensive but offer superior handling agility and higher torque output. They utilize a longitudinally mounted engine arrangement, which occupies more space. Due to the heavier rear axle and greater inertia, RWD vehicles tend to oversteer—requiring frequent corrective adjustments to maintain vehicle stability during severe cases, otherwise risking loss of control and tail slides. Given their drivetrain characteristics and higher manufacturing costs, RWD systems are generally reserved for SUVs, sports cars, and premium sedans, as they provide a more balanced front-rear weight distribution compared to FWD vehicles.