What are the reasons for the elimination of rear-wheel drive cars?
2 Answers
The reasons for the elimination of rear-wheel drive cars are as follows: High technical requirements: Although front-engine rear-wheel drive (FR) cars offer excellent handling and strong thrust, only a few major brands can truly achieve this level of performance. Ordinary rear-wheel drive cars are limited by technology, electronic systems, and tuning, making them prone to tail sliding on snowy roads, especially when going uphill. Therefore, in regions with unavoidable snowy conditions, it is better for people to buy front-wheel drive (FWD) cars for safer driving on snow. Space constraints: In front-engine rear-wheel drive cars, power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a driveshaft, causing a significant hump in the floor between the second and third rows of seats. This severely affects the usability of the interior floor space and passenger comfort. In contrast, front-wheel drive cars generally have a much smaller hump, resulting in minimal impact. Conflicts of interest: Today, the automotive market faces intense competitive pressure, and almost all car manufacturers are striving to reduce costs and increase profits. Since the production process for front-engine rear-wheel drive cars is much more complex than that for front-engine front-wheel drive cars, the production costs are significantly higher. As a result, the higher manufacturing costs of rear-wheel drive cars do not align with the demands of the budget market. If rear-wheel drive cars were to reduce production costs, it would likely lead to a significant increase in frequent malfunctions.
I've driven quite a few cars, and I think the main reason rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicles are being phased out is that they're not very suitable for daily driving. Although they perform excitingly well on winding roads, most people don't drive like they're racing in real life. Firstly, RWD cars tend to skid easily in rain or snow, making them less maneuverable and less safe; front-wheel drive (FWD) cars feel much more stable. Secondly, the rear-wheel drive system is complex and takes up chassis space, resulting in a cramped interior—passengers in the back often feel squeezed, which is inconvenient for families. There's also the cost issue: RWD requires more metal and gears, leading to higher car prices and worse fuel efficiency. Especially now that fuel prices have risen, more people are opting for FWD or electric versions. Additionally, with the popularity of SUVs, all-wheel drive (AWD) has become the mainstream, naturally pushing RWD to the margins. Although some sports cars still use it, RWD is becoming increasingly rare in the mass market.
