This has always been a common thought in the minds of car drivers. Whether a car operates on a front wheel drive (FWD) or a rear wheel drive (RWD), each system response do change. To answer the question of which drive system is best, it’s necessary we take a look at their differences. With that being said, Naijacarnews will be pointing out how front wheel drive and rear wheel drive functions in different ways.

If you are being confused about which drive system to pick from, this post is sure to help you settle for a suitable drive.

1. Front wheel drive (FWD)

Just as the name implies, FWD simply means the engine only drives or powers the front wheel of a vehicle. Here, the entire weight is being pulled by only the front tyres. The rear tyres don't make any movement. This system is beneficial, in that, the car has no way of spinning out due to the maximum traction on its front wheels. Also, the fuel economy gets to reduce as the drivetrain's weight decreases. And aside from that, the engine doesn't transmit power to the rear wheel, so you won't be seeing a hump on the floor of the rear seat and this will give more room for passengers luggage. With this, manufacturing an FWD will become cheap.

There's a snag though. It's difficult trying to manage the whole functions as only the front wheel performs every action. When faced with dangerous situations, controlling it will be an issue. But notwithstanding, the cost of maintaining an FWD car is low based on the fact that it's built on just a single unit. Faults that arise can be detected and fixed easily.

Volkswagen Golf GTI is voted the fastest front-wheel-drive production car

2. Rear wheel drive (RWD)

Here, the movement of the entire car is performed by the rear wheels only. The engine only drives the rear tyres. This type of drivetrain system is found in luxury sedan and sports cars like the Audi R8. A rear wheel drive generates more power than a front wheel drive. The engine gets to transmit power to the rear wheel through a long drive shaft. And to that end, there's hump which occupies much space. The rear wheel drive provides better control of the car compared to the front wheel drive. The RWD needs a lot of power in other to accelerate and this affects the fuel economy.

The presence of a drive shaft in RWD makes its cars expensive. And not only that, but the cost of maintaining it is also high. But there's a bright side of rear wheel drive, the front tyres have a thin chance of wearing out due to the fact that the rear tyres carry the entire responsibility in the car. What the front wheel is left to do is to work together with the steering wheel.

The Audi R8 is a rear wheel drive

Although the RWD has been said to have better control, it still slides in the rain and other surfaces that are slippery. On the other hand, the superior balance rear wheel drives have makes for a less torque steer and an improved braking system. So, there's a guarantee of having a smooth drive.

Final thought

If you decide to buy a car for family purpose or for your own use, then go for a front-wheel drive (FWD). Drivers who ply through areas with less traffic will opt for the FWD as it offers better fuel mileage and the maintenance cost is less. The front tyres aren't wearing out any time soon. It’s cost-effective and budget-friendly.

For a rear wheel drive, choosing it means you are ready to go along with the huge expenses that come with owning it. In case you love sports car, your best choice then should be the RWD.

Know your preferences and go for what suits you.

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