What are the disadvantages of front-engine rear-wheel drive in cars?
4 Answers
The disadvantages of front-engine rear-wheel drive in cars include lower safety and poorer fuel economy. Below are the specific disadvantages of front-engine rear-wheel drive: 1. Fuel Economy: Due to the use of a driveshaft, not only is the vehicle weight increased, but the transmission efficiency of the powertrain is also reduced, affecting fuel economy. 2. Comfort: The layout of the longitudinally mounted engine, transmission, and driveshaft reduces cabin space, affecting ride comfort; additionally, there is a central hump in the rear floor. 3. Safety: When starting or accelerating on snowy or slippery roads, the rear wheels push the body, making it prone to fishtailing.
The front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout is classic, but it has quite a few drawbacks. Having driven for nearly thirty years, the most annoying issue I've encountered is during rain or snow—rear-wheel drive is particularly prone to skidding. The rear end becomes unstable when accelerating, and it's easy to oversteer if you're not careful. Additionally, with the engine entirely up front, the weight distribution is uneven, resulting in less responsive steering. Practically speaking, the driveshaft running through the body creates a high center hump in the rear seats, making it uncomfortable for passengers, especially on long trips where legroom is limited. The trunk is often affected too, reducing its capacity. I've driven a few older models, and every winter, I had to pay extra attention to tire traction—snow tires are expensive. Maintenance is also more complicated than with front-wheel-drive cars, and fuel consumption is higher, making the overall costs painful to calculate.
As a car enthusiast, I've tinkered with many cars myself, and the FR design does have its shortcomings. The long driveshaft is prone to damage, making repairs troublesome and costly. When doing DIY work in the garage, inspecting the differential and rear axle components is time-consuming and labor-intensive. The weight concentrated at the front puts more pressure on the brakes, causing the front tires to wear out faster. On slippery roads, it's easier to lose control—I've felt the rear wheels slip several times during test drives, requiring extra caution for new drivers. In terms of interior space, the large hump in the center of the rear floor makes it uncomfortable for the middle passenger to place their legs, and luggage space is also compromised. Fuel efficiency isn't as good as front-wheel drive, with about 10% more power loss. Widening the tires during modifications can improve handling, but it adds extra costs. Overall, while fun, the practicality is somewhat lacking.
From a family car perspective, FR (front-engine, rear-wheel-drive) vehicles have several drawbacks. The rear floor hump is too high when carrying family members, and children complain about uncomfortable legroom. In terms of safety, they tend to skid easily in rain or snow, forcing me to slow down when picking up my kids from school. The trunk is too small for large luggage, making trips troublesome. Fuel consumption is higher than comparable front-wheel-drive models, costing dozens more dollars per month. The weight distribution is poor, making the car less stable when cornering. Maintenance costs are also higher, with expensive drivetrain repairs.
