Stupid ? but ........
Thread Starter
O.G.
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,744
Likes: 1
From: East Hanover, NJ
Stupid ? but ........
Can someone list the advantages and disadvantages between FWD and RWD?
Because I know the TL is FWD but my next car might be a BMW or Lexus and I know they are RWD.
Because I know the TL is FWD but my next car might be a BMW or Lexus and I know they are RWD.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 570
Likes: 0
From: MA
not stupid at all....
With all of the advanced technologies of modern cars (i.e. limited slip,vsa,traction control, etc.,etc.,etc.) there are not really any advantages in stock form. With the mostly 49/51% or whatever weight ratio, the problems of the old days are out the window.
Your main issue is torque steer. Rear wheel drive cars get better "take-off" because a lot of power can be given to the rear wheels, and it is easier to push rather than pull. I used to have a front wheel drive turbo, and if I stomped on it, the damn thing would chirp chirp chirp off the line at an angle. Of course, that is cuz there was too much power.
Anyway, a rear wheel drive set up is better because more power is evident.
This is of course my opinion, and not a technical assessment of the difference, so please no flames!
Your main issue is torque steer. Rear wheel drive cars get better "take-off" because a lot of power can be given to the rear wheels, and it is easier to push rather than pull. I used to have a front wheel drive turbo, and if I stomped on it, the damn thing would chirp chirp chirp off the line at an angle. Of course, that is cuz there was too much power.
Anyway, a rear wheel drive set up is better because more power is evident.
This is of course my opinion, and not a technical assessment of the difference, so please no flames!
Senior Moderator
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,085
Likes: 740
From: Brooklyn, NY USA
If ya wanna drive, get a RWD car.... BMW's are RWD for that reason. RWD cars are good for performance..FWD car's are good for inclement weather(rain and snow) each have their advantages and disadvantages... In my posession are 3 RWD cars and one FWD car...guess which I would prefer to drive? FWD or RWD? I love my TL and all..but if it were RWD, WHOA would it be that much better.. 
Ed
'96 BMW 740il - RWD
'99 TL - FWD
'99 Mazda Miata -RWD
'66 Mustang - RWD
Ed
'96 BMW 740il - RWD
'99 TL - FWD
'99 Mazda Miata -RWD
'66 Mustang - RWD
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
There are a few key differences
1. It is very difficult to control the back end of a FWD w/ throttle (you basically can't). Any car can "push" through a turn (although FWD is more likely to do so, I'll explain in a minute), but w/ RWD, a little extra gas at the right time can bring the ass-end right into place.
2. There is a limited amount of traction available at any given wheel. During cornering, loads approach (or even exceed) available grip (this causes a car to push, or in other terms, understeer is induced). Coupling accelration forces to these wheels creates more force than the tires can handle - you are much more likely to slide through the turn.
3. During accelration, weight distribution is transferred to the rear wheels. This reduces available grip for accelration in FWD.
1. It is very difficult to control the back end of a FWD w/ throttle (you basically can't). Any car can "push" through a turn (although FWD is more likely to do so, I'll explain in a minute), but w/ RWD, a little extra gas at the right time can bring the ass-end right into place.
2. There is a limited amount of traction available at any given wheel. During cornering, loads approach (or even exceed) available grip (this causes a car to push, or in other terms, understeer is induced). Coupling accelration forces to these wheels creates more force than the tires can handle - you are much more likely to slide through the turn.
3. During accelration, weight distribution is transferred to the rear wheels. This reduces available grip for accelration in FWD.
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