What does front-engine, front-wheel drive mean?

[VonMalachi]

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.

[LaMia]

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.

[Haley]

When I was buying a car, I specifically researched the pros and cons of front-wheel drive. Placing the engine at the front helps better balance the weight distribution between the front and rear, making the steering feel light and agile. The biggest advantage is fuel efficiency—the shorter power transmission path reduces energy loss. My colleague's rear-wheel-drive car consistently consumes over 1 liter more fuel than mine. However, the drawbacks are real: the front wheels tend to slip when climbing steep slopes, especially since most of the weight is concentrated at the front. I remember once carrying five boxes of mineral water up a steep hill and clearly feeling the front wheels struggling for grip. Enthusiasts who modify their cars also tend to avoid front-wheel drive due to noticeable understeer during cornering. But for average families, a spacious trunk and affordable maintenance are what truly matter.

[StJaxson]

Here's a real-life story to illustrate: Once I was helping my cousin pick a used car, and the salesperson kept bragging about how advanced front-wheel drive was. The core idea is simply mounting the engine transversely in the front and having the front wheels handle both steering and driving. The simple structure keeps costs low—even small cars like the Fit offer generous rear legroom. But its flaws become obvious during spirited driving—heavy acceleration makes the front end lift, and understeer is pronounced when cornering at speed. One rainy day, my friend's rear-wheel-drive car started fishtailing with just a light tap on the gas, while my front-wheel-drive car stayed planted. For regular snow and ice driving, front-wheel drive does offer more peace of mind.