What Does Longitudinal Rear-Wheel Drive Mean?

[LondonRose]

Longitudinal rear-wheel drive refers to a vehicle with a longitudinally mounted engine and rear-wheel drive. Most rear-wheel-drive vehicles have longitudinally mounted engines. Cars with longitudinal rear-wheel drive are commonly seen in daily life, and most of them are sports cars or luxury vehicles. The majority of family cars do not use this configuration. The advantage of a longitudinally mounted engine is that it can balance the weight distribution between the front and rear of the vehicle. If the engine is mounted longitudinally, the transmission connected to it is also longitudinally mounted. The longitudinal powertrain can be positioned towards the rear, helping to balance the front and rear weight distribution. In contrast, vehicles with transversely mounted engines tend to concentrate weight in one area, which can reduce handling performance.

[KateLee]

Longitudinal rear-wheel drive means the engine is placed vertically in the car, and the power is transmitted to the rear wheels through the drivetrain. I see this layout is common in luxury or sports cars, such as the BMW series, where the engine is installed longitudinally from front to back, not taking up lateral space, helping to distribute the car's weight more evenly, approaching a 50:50 ratio between front and rear. This makes the steering more responsive and precise, offering a strong sense of control when cornering, making it as fun as driving on a race track. The downsides are a more complex structure, the rear seat comfort affected by the transmission tunnel bulge, and slightly higher maintenance costs. If you're a modification enthusiast, this design makes it easier to install a limited-slip differential to improve traction, but it's prone to slipping on icy roads, so winter tires are a must. In short, it enhances driving performance but sacrifices some practicality.

[McReese]

During my driving days, I often encountered longitudinally-mounted rear-wheel-drive models, which essentially means the engine is mounted vertically with power delivered to the rear wheels. I remember driving an old Mercedes-Benz that felt incredibly stable during high-speed cornering, with remarkably quick handling response and minimal body roll. In daily use, it tends to skid easily on snowy winter roads, requiring cautious acceleration, while excelling on dry summer roads. The rear seats have a significant central hump, making the middle position cramped for long journeys. Fuel consumption is slightly higher than front-wheel-drive cars, but the balanced feel provides reassurance. I think this design suits those who prioritize driving pleasure, but it's not ideal for regular commuting, and maintaining the drivetrain can be quite demanding.

[LaPenelope]

Longitudinal rear-wheel drive means the engine is placed vertically from front to back, with the rear wheels responsible for driving. As a car enthusiast, I particularly love this layout—sports cars like the Porsche 911 or Nissan GT-R use it, offering sharp steering and exhilarating cornering, with driving pleasure off the charts. The balanced weight distribution reduces the nose-heavy issue, making drifts more stable. The downsides are the complex structure and compressed space, making it hard to fit three people in the back. Compared to front-wheel drive, it's more costly, but the performance is undeniable. You might not notice much difference in daily driving, but it truly shines on highways or race tracks.