Difference Between FWD and RWD

Choosing the right drivetrain for your car is crucial, as it can affect the handling and performance of the vehicle under different driving conditions. The drivetrain consists of all the components that make your vehicle’s wheels turn. It works with the engine to supply power to the wheels.

Two of the most common drivetrain types are front-wheel drive (FWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD). Each type has unique characteristics. FWD supplies power to the front wheels and manages the steering inputs. On the other hand, RWD directs power to the rear wheels, pushing the vehicle forward.

Each of the drivetrain system’s applications adapts to the needs of the vehicle that uses it.

The front-wheel drive system is especially popular for compact vehicles and those built for smoother terrains. On the contrary, the rear-wheel drive system is more common in vehicles designed for tougher terrains.

In this article, we shall explore the differences between the front-wheel drive and the rear-wheel drive.

Meaning of Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

To understand the differences between FWD and RWD systems, it is important to first learn how they function. Each drivetrain has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on performance, efficiency, and handling.

Front-Wheel Drive

If your vehicle has FWD, then the engine pulls the car forward through the front wheels. In this setup, the rear wheels do not have a steering function.

Compared to other drivetrain types, FWD systems tend to have fewer components, making the car lighter and offering better mileage. Also, the engine’s response in a front-wheel drive system tends to be better, as engine power does not need to pass through as many components. This explains why most economy vehicles use front-wheel drive.

With an FWD drive car, you can also benefit from more optimal cabin space since the engine is positioned transversely. This is why vehicles with the FWD tend to be more compact. As a result, the car’s overall weight is reduced, making it move faster.

The main advantage of the FWD system is its efficiency. Since the engine, gearbox, and drive are all located in the front, it helps engine power to reach the wheels efficiently.

However, the front-wheel drive system often increases the workload on the wheels and frontal suspension. This is because it is responsible for both steering and driving the vehicle. The heavier workload can affect the strength and resilience of some components. For example, the CV joint drive shaft can easily get damaged when carrying heavy goods, and the FWD system can cause understeering and handling problems.

Examples of vehicles with the front wheel drive include the following:

• Toyota Corolla
• Honda Civic
• Chevrolet Beat
• Hyundai i10
• Volvo S40

Rear-Wheel Drive

With rear-wheel drive, the vehicle’s engine powers the rear wheels using a driveshaft, and it moves forward through the rear wheels. Modern traction control and stability systems make it easier to drive RWD vehicles. RWD is also the best drivetrain for towing since the front wheels don’t have too much weight on them.

The main advantage of the RWD system is good weight distribution. Vehicles with RWD have the engine at the front, the driveshaft and the gearbox in the middle, and the differential at the rear. Because of the ideal weight distribution, the rear wheel drive has better handling. However, RWD vehicles can tend to oversteer.

Since the drivetrain is at the rear of the vehicle, RWD cars perform better on steep slopes. When climbing, the weight tends to fall on the rear end. This allows the rare tyre to maintain traction while the front tyres may lose it.

Nonetheless, the rear-wheel drive system is less efficient in energy distribution. Because of the engine’s frontal positioning, power moves from the engine via several components (gearbox, drive shaft, etc.) before getting to the rear wheels. This long journey reduces the engine’s power before it reaches the rear wheels, leading to a power loss of up to 30%.

Examples of vehicles with the rear wheel drive include the following:

• BMW
• Mercedes
• Jaguar (5 Type)
• Audi (R8) etc.

Top Differences Between Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

This table clearly distinguishes the differences between the front-wheel and rear-wheel drives:

Note: Despite the differences between these drivetrains, the workload of both the FWD and the RWD is optimally distributed. This makes your car’s suspension, steering, and other driving components more stable and durable.

Conclusion

The front-wheel drive system directs the engine power to the car’s front wheels, while the rear-wheel drive system sends the car’s engine power to the rear wheels. If you desire a car that offers good handling across various terrains, it would be best to go for an RWD vehicle. If you want a spacious car with better fuel efficiency, the FWD option might be better.

Whichever drivetrain you choose, it’s essential to protect your automobile by securing comprehensive car insurance online. This will ensure that, in case of unpredicted events like road accidents, you get full financial coverage for repairs or replacement, depending on the severity of the situation.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.