Two identical cars. One is RWD, the other is FWD.
Which one will have the higher torque measured at the wheels?
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[resolved] The myth of RWD
FWD if you're talking a simple dyno test. RWD has more mechanical losses because the differential being 90 degrees at the back axle, plus you have the weight of a driveshaft. Plus the fact that most FWD cars have transaxles that are built like a tin can and use weak (but lightweight) parts, so it's more efficient but a weaker setup. If you're talking in the real world, RWD wins out due to superior weight transfer and fewer losses from the steering.
Yep thats one of the reasons detroit went with front wheel drive.
Improved fuel economy.
FWD drives sux when it comes to performance. They generally have a higher front/rear weight bias so often "push"(understeer) like a bastard with all that weight up forward. A RWD car with similar hp/weight ratio, gears, and rubber as a FWD offering will almost always smoke that FWD off the line as well. The RWD drive gets better traction, like Jonathan said, due to weight transfer.
The amount of torque at the wheels depends more on gearing than efficiency however. I'll get more torque at the wheels at any significant RPM with my Honda Civic in 1st than you will in your Mustang GT in 5th.
:)
-Fishy
Improved fuel economy.
FWD drives sux when it comes to performance. They generally have a higher front/rear weight bias so often "push"(understeer) like a bastard with all that weight up forward. A RWD car with similar hp/weight ratio, gears, and rubber as a FWD offering will almost always smoke that FWD off the line as well. The RWD drive gets better traction, like Jonathan said, due to weight transfer.
The amount of torque at the wheels depends more on gearing than efficiency however. I'll get more torque at the wheels at any significant RPM with my Honda Civic in 1st than you will in your Mustang GT in 5th.
:)
-Fishy
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ridr4lif
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Honestly tho...who wants FWD anyway? Its NO fun!
RWD is the way to go...even if your car only has 100 hp (speaking from experience) you can still get them sideways!!!
(w/o help from the e-brake might i add).
FWD's also understeer because the front wheels are being driven...as well as the weight being in front. This is why AWD's tend to understeer a lot.
TEDD
RWD is the way to go...even if your car only has 100 hp (speaking from experience) you can still get them sideways!!!
(w/o help from the e-brake might i add).FWD's also understeer because the front wheels are being driven...as well as the weight being in front. This is why AWD's tend to understeer a lot.
TEDD
I agree, FWD sucks if you aren't the kind of person that wants to drive an appliance. It's out there because it's cheap to produce and offers a minor fuel economy benefit, but then again you're dealing with CV axles to have to worry about and other high maintenance problems.
Handling wise, I always liked the way a 911 Turbo drives. Not because it handles the best, but it's a lot of fun when pushed to the limit :)
Handling wise, I always liked the way a 911 Turbo drives. Not because it handles the best, but it's a lot of fun when pushed to the limit :)