FWD vs RWD?

[Petronas]

Always wanted to know why manufacturers make FWD cars? What are the benifits over RWD? I've always suspected it was something to do with cost?

[newmski]

yeh cost and ease for machine construction

[aaronng]

Cost, and that engine and drivetrain packages can be easily migrated from platform to platform.

Also, for novice drivers who can't control the accelerator (press the accelerator hard when panicking), it is safer with FWD.

[Chris_F]

in addition to what aaronn pointed out there's also the issue of economy. A FWD setup is lighter and more efficient

[krogoth]

u cant oversteer easily with FWD

mainly understeer

FWD is better for newer drivers, with less experience, as they are generally alot more predictable in all conditions that RWD

RWD and FWD can both have excellent handling characterestics......it just depends on the car....the falcon and s2k are both RWD but they dont handle the same way

if u really want massive power....go for RWD, coz then wen u run massive power on FWD, steering can become and issue

although same case with RWD, with too much power, oversteer can become an issue

and yes as already stated, FWD have better fuel efficiency as they are lighter and generally in smaller sized cars

FWD are also cheaper to make, and easily transferable from model to model, though the same can be said for RWD

[Speeder]

Cost reduction and increased cabin space.

[krogoth]

ooooohh. amd as speeder mentioned

with FWD u dont get that annoying bastard hump in the back passenger area(in most cases)

[solitz]

it aloows for cheaper production for the car...as money dosnt need to be spent on developing driveshafts to the rears and all that...and yea it allows for a more simpler design for the car and its mechanics and more room inside

[d15z1SUX]

there is less power loss through the drivetrain. which in turn gives u better fuel economy. thats what someone told me.

[^__^ SM ^__^]

Then what about 4WD like WRX, EVO and Skyline GT-R?

[destrukshn]

what about em?

[^__^ SM ^__^]

In terms of advantages and disadvantages over FWD, RWD