Both the rear-wheel drive and front-wheel drive are relatively same just a minor difference FWD stands for front-wheel-drive which means that the engine is powering only the front two wheels while RWD stands for rear-wheel-drive means that the engine is powering the rear wheels. Let us have a deep insight into the comparison and difference between them.
Difference between FWD and RWD :
- The clutch, gearbox and differential in FWD are made from one unit and are called transaxle where the clutch and gearbox are at the front in RWD while the differential is driven at the rear by the propeller shaft.
- RWD vehicle is being pushed from behind while an FWD vehicle is being pulled.
- The fuel consumption is usually similar to the FWD and RWD vehicles.
- In FWD the front wheels of these vehicles are exclusively powered while in RWD the power from the power train is transmitted to the rear wheels via a driveshaft.
- Only front wheels are responsible to drive the vehicle in FWD while RWD real wheels are responsible to drive the vehicle.
- RWD cars usually tend to be more powerful and sportier than FWD.
- The front-wheel weight in FWD is higher than in RWD.
- FWD configuration provides low floor compared to RWD as there is no longer propeller shaft.
- Because of the presence of differential at the front, there is more luggage space at the back in FWD compared to RWD.
- The FWD vehicle has more adhesion on the road than RWD due to more weight on the front wheel.
- In FWD, the weight shifts to the rear wheel are reduced on a gradient or while accelerating, which is not desirable, thus reducing tractive effort.
- The steering is hard because of more weight on the front wheel in FWD and there is always understeer.
RWD cars offer a better overall driving experience and are the better cars for drifting and can accelerate faster and provide better grip. As for reduced traction in wet conditions, this can be remedied with modern electronic traction control but are almost always more expensive.
On the other hand, FWD cars may not be as fun to drive, but they are cheaper and more sensitive. It makes more sense to travel within the city at low speeds and to use cheap FWD cars in general on a daily basis.
Front-Wheel Drive cars :
- Maruti Suzuki Dzire
- Alto K10
- Wagon R
- Hyundai Verna
- Skoda Rapid
- Tata Indigo
Rear Wheel Drive cars :
- Chevrolet Tavera
- Mahindra Scorpio
- Mahindra Bolero