by The discussion about which car drive is better, more reliable, and cheaper to maintain has not ceased since the release of the first front-wheel-drive car. Both front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive vehicles have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is about them that the discussion will continue.
Pros and Cons of Rear-Wheel Drive
Cars and everything associated with them is one of the favorite topics for men’s conversations. Men talk about cars as often as they talk about gambling, which can be played at online casinos, or fishing. And the most discussed topic among men is front and rear drive.
The latter is often called classic because they appeared much earlier than front-wheel drives. Most luxury supercars (BMW, Mercedes, Infiniti) have a rear drive. What are its main advantages?
Firstly, an even distribution of weight throughout the body. This became possible because the engine is located at the front under the hood, and the driveshaft and rear axle are at the back of the vehicle. Such a smooth distribution of weight positively affects the driving quality, especially noticeable on slippery roads.
Secondly, a lot of free space has appeared under the hood, which in turn provides free access to all the main “units” of the car. Because of this, maintaining front-wheel-drive cars is much easier.
Thirdly, there is practically no vibration transmitted to the steering wheel and interior. This creates maximum comfort and convenience in handling.
Fourthly, the absence of a CV joint that connects the wheels and transmission ensures better maneuverability. Rear-wheel-drive vehicle wheels turn 10-15% more. This allows for more complex maneuvers, such as bypassing vehicles in traffic jams or exiting a crowded parking lot.
Fifthly, more dynamic acceleration.
As for the drawbacks, rear-wheel-drive cars are expensive to maintain and handle poorly on slippery roads.
Front-Wheel Drive Cars: “For” and “Against”
Front-wheel-drive vehicles appeared on the market much later. They have a simpler and more reliable design compared to rear-wheel-drive ones. The main advantages of such cars also include:
- cheaper production and maintenance (all budget cars have front-wheel drive);
- the absence of oil and seals allows you to move immediately after normal warming up even in frosty weather;
- better stability on slippery roads and passability;
- more free space in the cabin.
The disadvantages of front-wheel-drive cars include:
- little free space under the hood;
- engine transmits vibration to the steering wheel and cabin, which deteriorates comfort while driving;
- uneven weight distribution throughout the body, which often leads to rear-end skids on slippery roads (in this case, sharp braking is prohibited, to straighten the car you need to add gas).
Despite this, front-wheel-drive cars are many times more popular among car enthusiasts. They attract not only buyers but also manufacturers, as front-wheel drive reduces production costs.
