What's the Difference Between Front-Wheel Drive and Rear-Wheel Drive in Sedans?

[MacJuliet]

There are several differences between front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive in sedans: 1. Front-wheel drive, also known as Front-engine Front-drive (FF), is a prevalent drive configuration in sedans (including micro and economy cars), but it is rarely used in trucks and buses. Front-wheel drive sedans typically feature a transversely mounted engine connected to a compact transaxle. 2. Rear-wheel drive, referred to as Front-engine Rear-drive (FR), is a traditional drive configuration where the engine is positioned at the front and power is delivered to the rear wheels.

[SophiaFitz]

Honestly, from over 20 years of driving experience, I've found that front-engine, front-wheel drive (FF) places the engine at the front and uses the front wheels to pull the car, making it simpler to operate, just like regular sedans that are easy to handle. On the other hand, front-engine, rear-wheel drive (FR) also positions the engine at the front but relies on the rear wheels to push the car, offering a more responsive feel, quicker turn-in response, and a greater sense of control, especially on winding roads. I've also noticed that FF layouts provide more spacious interiors since there's no driveshaft running through the cabin, allowing for more comfortable seating in the rear. As for drawbacks, FF tends to understeer, requiring extra caution when turning on slippery roads. FR, while offering better stability control, may come with slightly higher fuel consumption and maintenance costs. Overall, FF is more suitable for hassle-free daily commuting, while FR is better suited for those seeking driving pleasure. It's best to test-drive both to feel the difference before making a purchase.

[Clay]

I used to be curious about this question. Simply put, the engine is always positioned at the front, but the driving methods differ: front-engine front-wheel drive (FWD) mainly relies on the front wheels for motion, while front-engine rear-wheel drive (RWD) pushes with the rear wheels. The FWD layout is more compact, the car is lighter, and acceleration is quicker, but it tends to understeer during high-speed cornering, making the car feel stiffer. As for RWD, the engine power is transmitted to the rear wheels, providing better balance, stronger acceleration, and more stability in rain or snow. However, its design is more complex and maintenance can be trickier. In terms of space, FWD has a significant advantage, especially with ample legroom inside the car and a deeper trunk. Fuel consumption-wise, FWD usually saves more gas. Overall, most family cars opt for FWD for convenience and economy, while RWD is more about pursuing a sporty feel, like sports car designs. You’ll understand these little details after driving for a while.

[MacFrancisco]

I think the biggest difference between front-wheel drive (FWD) and front-engine rear-wheel drive (FR) lies in the driven wheels: FWD relies entirely on the front wheels for power output, so the car's steering isn't as agile, especially prone to skidding on slippery roads. FR is propelled by the rear wheels, making turns more responsive and driving more fun. Structurally, FWD offers higher space efficiency, providing more comfort for rear passengers; FR may have a transmission tunnel bulge in the rear, taking up some space. In terms of weight distribution, FR achieves better front-rear balance, offering more stability at high speeds. Price-wise, FWD is generally cheaper and simpler to maintain. After driving different models, I understand how these differences affect choices.