Why are cars fwd & rwd - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Epitaph · 09-03-2009, 09:51 PM

I'm talking about n/a engines.

Why are fwd cars fwd? Is it because the engines are small enough to have a transmission hooked on them and just hook to the front of the car? (I've never seen the under side of a fwd car, so bare with me here when I say "hook to the front of the car").

lil_chef · 09-03-2009, 10:15 PM

they are cheaper to build for 1

Zabo · 09-03-2009, 11:22 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Front-e...l_drive_layout

stovt001 · 09-04-2009, 12:46 AM

FWD supposedly is easier to drive in the wet and snow, but I wouldn't know since I'm from LA. I can say it does allow for more efficient packaging since the entire drivetrain is contained in the engine bay. In a RWD car the transmission and drive shaft can intrude into passenger compartment space.

RWD allows for better driving dynamics for reasons I'm too tired to write about right now.

*Mr. Wyndham* · 09-04-2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stovt001

FWD supposedly is easier to drive in the wet and snow, but I wouldn't know since I'm from LA. I can say it does allow for more efficient packaging since the entire drivetrain is contained in the engine bay. In a RWD car the transmission and drive shaft can intrude into passenger compartment space.

Not to mention that the extra driveline shafts in a RWD car compare to a marginally lower fuel economy rating...BUT -- it's almost nonexistant, just worth mentioning.

In short, FWD lends to massive improvements in passenger and cargo space. Sit in a G8...Sit in an Impala..then look in the trunk space in both...The difference is stark.

*DGthe3* · 09-05-2009, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Epitath

I'm talking about n/a engines.

Why are fwd cars fwd? Is it because the engines are small enough to have a transmission hooked on them and just hook to the front of the car? (I've never seen the under side of a fwd car, so bare with me here when I say "hook to the front of the car").

No, you can have a FWD car with a V8 (Impala SS) so size isn't the issue. Its cheaper to engineer a car with FWD, its lighter, and gets you 1-2 mpg better fuel economy. As others have said, they also do better in poor weather. The main advantages for RWD are for performance, which isn't much of a concern for most of the car buyers out there.

Parker · 09-05-2009, 09:52 PM

The main reason for front wheel drive platforms are they are cheaper to build. You lose your driveshafts and rear suspension is much easier to design. Rear wheel drive is good for sports cars and thing that do towing/hauling.

All wheel drive is good for most applications except fuel/price economy.

I'd be looking forward to a new mid/rear engine GM car again. The fiero got off on a bad start, but I've sen a few nice GT survivors. I like Corvair Spyders as long as the fan is an electric conversion , otherwise you need a few spare belts.

For something neat look up a Gregory sedan.

*DGthe3* · 09-06-2009, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parker

The main reason for front wheel drive platforms are they are cheaper to build. You lose your driveshafts and rear suspension is much easier to design. Rear wheel drive is good for sports cars and thing that do towing/hauling.

All wheel drive is good for most applications except fuel/price economy.

I'd be looking forward to a new mid/rear engine GM car again. The fiero got off on a bad start, but I've sen a few nice GT survivors. I like Corvair Spyders as long as the fan is an electric conversion , otherwise you need a few spare belts.

For something neat look up a Gregory sedan.

Never heard of it but if I were to guess ... I'd say rear engine/front drive?

stovt001 · 09-12-2009, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DGthe3

Never heard of it but if I were to guess ... I'd say rear engine/front drive?

Oh man, the images of snap oversteer with that setup that I'm picturing are just hilarious.

09-03-2009, 09:51 PM	#1
Epitaph Custom User Title Drives: Fast Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 550	Why are cars fwd & rwd I'm talking about n/a engines. Why are fwd cars fwd? Is it because the engines are small enough to have a transmission hooked on them and just hook to the front of the car? (I've never seen the under side of a fwd car, so bare with me here when I say "hook to the front of the car").

09-04-2009, 12:46 AM	#4
stovt001 Drives: 2006 Cobalt, 2004 Taurus wagon Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: California Posts: 3,812	FWD supposedly is easier to drive in the wet and snow, but I wouldn't know since I'm from LA. I can say it does allow for more efficient packaging since the entire drivetrain is contained in the engine bay. In a RWD car the transmission and drive shaft can intrude into passenger compartment space. RWD allows for better driving dynamics for reasons I'm too tired to write about right now. __________________ "It's kind of fun to do the impossible" - Walt Disney There's a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day There's a great big beautiful tomorrow Just a dream away

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lil_chef Banned Drives: 2010 Mustang GT Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Jacksonville Posts: 1,823	they are cheaper to build for 1

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09-05-2009, 09:52 PM	#7
Parker Drives: 2010 Camaro SS/RS Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: SoCal Posts: 246 View My Garage	The main reason for front wheel drive platforms are they are cheaper to build. You lose your driveshafts and rear suspension is much easier to design. Rear wheel drive is good for sports cars and thing that do towing/hauling. All wheel drive is good for most applications except fuel/price economy. I'd be looking forward to a new mid/rear engine GM car again. The fiero got off on a bad start, but I've sen a few nice GT survivors. I like Corvair Spyders as long as the fan is an electric conversion , otherwise you need a few spare belts. For something neat look up a Gregory sedan.