What does front-engine, front-wheel drive mean?
2 Answers
Front-engine, front-wheel drive (FF) refers to a configuration where the engine is placed at the front and the front wheels are driven. This is a prevalent drivetrain layout in most sedans and is widely used in passenger vehicles with engine displacements below 2.5 liters. In FF cars, the engine is typically mounted transversely and connected to a compact transaxle. The characteristics of front-engine, front-wheel drive include: 1. Elimination of the driveshaft, reducing vehicle weight and resulting in a more compact structure; 2. Efficient utilization of engine compartment space, providing a more spacious interior; 3. The engine's proximity to the driven wheels enhances power transmission efficiency and improves fuel economy.
Front-wheel drive, simply put, means the engine is placed at the front of the car and directly pulls the vehicle using the front wheels. This layout is particularly common in ordinary family cars, mainly because it has a compact structure and saves space. The engine and transmission are placed side by side in the front compartment, and the power is transmitted directly to the front wheels via the half-shafts, eliminating the need for a driveshaft running through the underbody. The advantage is that the rear floor won’t have a large hump in the middle, making it more comfortable for three passengers. However, during hard acceleration, the front of the car tends to lift, and since the front wheels handle both steering and driving, aggressive driving can lead to wheel spin. Still, it’s perfectly adequate for daily commuting, offering better traction than rear-wheel drive in rain or snow, and most importantly, repairs are much cheaper compared to all-wheel drive systems.
