What are the differences between front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive vehicles?
1 Answers
The differences between front-wheel drive (FWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicles are as follows: 1. Applicable models and characteristics. FWD vehicles are generally found in economical models, characterized by low cost, high transmission efficiency, and low fuel consumption. RWD vehicles are typically seen in sporty mid-to-high-end models, known for superior handling, excellent acceleration performance, and relatively higher fuel consumption. 2. Engine configuration. RWD vehicles often use a longitudinally mounted engine, which occupies more space and significantly reduces rear passenger space. FWD vehicles employ a transversely mounted engine, eliminating the need for a protruding driveshaft in the cabin, thereby noticeably improving rear passenger comfort. 3. Handling. In FWD vehicles, the front wheels are responsible for both steering and driving, bearing a heavier load, which can lead to understeer during sharp turns. RWD vehicles, due to their heavier rear axle and greater inertia, are more prone to oversteer. Overall, FWD vehicles offer higher stability, while RWD vehicles provide more driving fun. 4. Daily performance. On slopes, FWD vehicles have poorer traction compared to RWD vehicles. Since most of the weight is distributed at the front, this can easily lead to understeer. The most common scenarios in real-world driving are the "nose-dive" during acceleration and braking. However, FWD vehicles exhibit better tracking on snowy or icy roads than RWD vehicles.
