What is Longitudinal Rear-Wheel Drive?
1 Answers
Longitudinal rear-wheel drive refers to a vehicle configuration where the engine is mounted longitudinally and power is delivered to the rear wheels. It is one of the different forms of vehicle construction, commonly used in most SUVs, often paired with a body-on-frame (ladder frame) structure. The advantages of longitudinal rear-wheel drive include the following: 1. The vehicle's front-to-rear weight distribution approaches the ideal 50:50 golden ratio, which offers significant benefits for dynamic handling and enables neutral steering. 2. This configuration provides greater effective traction, enhancing acceleration and hill-climbing capabilities. 3. Compared to front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive offers superior handling, more space for suspension systems, and better vehicle support. 4. The balanced weight distribution reduces acceleration squat and braking dive, improving overall comfort—a key reason why luxury sedans often adopt this layout.