What are the layout types of the drivetrain system?

2 Answers
SanKeira
07/24/25 5:22pm
The drivetrain system has five layout types: Front-engine Front-wheel drive (FF), Front-engine Rear-wheel drive (FR), Mid-engine Rear-wheel drive (MR), Rear-engine Rear-wheel drive (RR), and All-wheel drive (4WD). Here are the advantages of these five layout types in detail: 1. FR: Even axle load distribution, meaning a balanced weight distribution between the front and rear of the vehicle, resulting in better handling stability. 2. FF: Lowers the cabin floor and exhibits pronounced understeer characteristics in handling. Additionally, its resistance to skidding is stronger than FR. 3. MR: Even axle load distribution, providing a very neutral handling characteristic. 4. RR: Compact structure, without a heavy driveshaft or complex front-wheel steering and driving mechanisms. 5. 4WD: Power is delivered to all four wheels, maximizing ground adhesion, with excellent off-road capability and power performance.
Was this review help?
4
3
Share
AveryFitz
08/11/25 9:37am
Let me share my driving experience regarding the layout of the drivetrain. The most common is front-engine, front-wheel drive (FF), where the engine is at the front and drives the front wheels. This is what I see most often in family cars—great space utilization and fuel efficiency, though it can be a bit slippery in snow but remains stable. Front-engine, rear-wheel drive (FR) is found in some sports cars or luxury sedans, with the engine at the front driving the rear wheels. It offers precise handling and fun drifting but consumes more fuel, excelling in cornering. Rear-engine, rear-wheel drive (RR), like the Porsche 911, places the engine at the back to drive the rear wheels, delivering fierce acceleration but with a rear-biased center of gravity—sudden braking can cause oversteer, requiring careful driving. Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive (MR) is exclusive to supercars like Lamborghini, squeezing the engine in the middle to drive the rear wheels, achieving superb weight balance and track performance but sacrificing interior space, making it unsuitable for family use. Four-wheel drive (4WD/AWD) is common in SUVs or off-road vehicles, driving all wheels for strong grip in mud and outstanding traction, though costly and maintenance-intensive. Each has pros and cons—choose based on needs to balance driving fun and safety.
Was this review help?
18
1
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

Which Has a Longer Lifespan: Dual Clutch or CVT?

Compared to dual-clutch transmissions, CVTs generally have a longer lifespan. Introduction to CVT Transmissions: A CVT, or continuously variable transmission, consists of two variable-diameter pulleys and a steel belt. One pulley is directly connected to the engine, while the other connects to the drive wheels via the steel belt. Gear changes are achieved by adjusting the diameters of the pulleys. This type of transmission delivers smooth power output, stable performance, and compact size, with a lightweight and simple structure. Structure of CVT Transmissions: CVTs come in various designs, but the most common in automobiles is the steel belt and cone pulley configuration. The steel belt and cone pulley are also the core components used to evaluate the actual lifespan of a CVT.
1
5
Share

Can a single tire be modified into dual tires?

Single tires cannot be modified into dual tires. Tire replacement time: It is recommended to replace tires every four years, even if the mileage driven within four years is relatively low. Tires are rubber products, and rubber products will age over time with prolonged use. Tire selection: When purchasing tires, be sure to check the specifications and model clearly, as well as the production date, speed rating, and load index. Generally, the sidewalls of tires for family cars or SUVs are marked with 91V. After reinstalling tires, it is essential to perform dynamic balancing to prevent abnormal vibrations during high-speed driving.
7
1
Share

How Long Does It Take to Drive 300 Kilometers on the Highway?

Driving 300 kilometers on the highway takes approximately 3 hours. Precautions for high-speed driving: Pay attention to driving speed. On the highway, slower is not necessarily safer. A speed of 80 to 100 kilometers per hour is relatively safe for small vehicles. When exiting the highway, be sure to identify the correct exit. If you miss an exit, continue driving and exit at the next available one. Never reverse or make a U-turn. Requirements for driving on the highway: If a driver is within the probationary period, they must be accompanied by a driver who has held a driver's license for the same or a higher vehicle class for at least three years when driving on the highway. For drivers of small automatic transmission vehicles designed for disabled individuals, they may be accompanied by a driver who holds a license for small automatic transmission passenger vehicles or higher.
12
0
Share

How to Turn on the Hazard Lights?

The hazard light switch is a red triangle symbol. Press it once to turn on the hazard lights. Introduction to hazard lights: Hazard lights, also commonly referred to as emergency flashers, are a signal light on a vehicle. Their main purpose is to alert other drivers and pedestrians that the vehicle is experiencing a special situation, prompting them to yield or avoid it in time. Usage scenarios for hazard lights: As a signal light, the use of hazard lights is strictly regulated. Misuse or failure to use them may result in fines. Therefore, it is essential to understand when hazard lights should be turned on and when they should not. The usage of hazard lights can be summarized in one sentence: if you need other vehicles to slow down or even stop to yield while driving, you should turn on the hazard lights.
13
1
Share

Should You Turn the Steering Wheel Towards the Wider Side When Reversing into a Parking Space?

When reversing into a parking space, you should turn the steering wheel towards the wider side. Overview of Reversing into a Parking Space: Reversing into a parking space has been a mandatory test item for obtaining a small car driver's license since 2013. It assesses the driver's ability to maneuver the vehicle in a confined space. This is one of the key evaluation points in the driver's test, requiring the driver to correctly reverse the vehicle into a garage from both sides while in motion. There is a time limit for this maneuver during the test. Methods for Reversing into a Parking Space: There are three most common types of reversing into a parking space. The first is the "non"-shaped reverse parking, commonly found in large shopping malls. The second is the roadside "one"-shaped reverse parking, also known as parallel parking. The third is the less common diagonal reverse parking. About 70% of driving students find parallel parking more challenging.
11
2
Share

Is It Illegal to Drive on the Emergency Lane?

Driving on the emergency lane is illegal. Occupying the emergency lane, once caught on camera, will result in a 6-point deduction from the driver's license and a fine. If traffic control is in place and the emergency lane is forcibly occupied, the offender may also face detention for up to 15 days. Definition of the Emergency Lane: The emergency lane is designated for vehicles with genuine "privileges." These privileges are not for the convenience of official vehicles but are specifically reserved for vehicles handling emergency situations, such as engineering rescue, firefighting and rescue, medical ambulances, or police officers performing urgent official duties. Penalty Regulations: Driving on the highway emergency lane is not explicitly detailed in the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China." However, Article 90 stipulates that motor vehicle drivers violating road traffic safety laws and regulations regarding road usage will be penalized with a 6-point deduction and a fine. Therefore, the emergency lane should not be occupied under non-emergency circumstances.
1
4
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.