What is better - AWD, FWD & RWD ?

Written By Rohan Malhotra

The ultimate drivetrain showdown.

Choosing the right drivetrain for your car is like picking a dance partner, that is suitable and that works best with-for you and with option such as Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) it can get quite tricky to really know the strengths and weakness of each but don’t worry because that is exactly what I’m going to talk about today. Let’s see who’s got the best moves!

FRONT WHEEL DRIVE (FWD) :

So, what is front wheel drive (FWD) ? Here, the engine sends 100% of the power to the front wheels, making it the go to choice for most practical and no-nonsense vehicles. Hence, it goes without saying that this type of drive train is the most reliable option out there and you can see this on most of the commonly driven cars around you because,

Advantages:

  1. Traction: In cases of rain, snow or any circumstance where there might be low traction, Fwd is a great option as the weight of the engine which is over the front wheels aids traction.

  2. Cost: Apart from the mechanical benefits, the reason why this is seen on many vehicles is because it is cheaper when compared to other drive trains and this leads to a cheaper price tag on the vehicle, hence making the vehicle more affordable.

  3. Interior Space: With everything packed up front, you’ve got more room in the back for all your gear—perfect for the person who never travels light.

  4. Fuel-Consumption: As the weight of the overall powertrain is low which helps in keeping the car more fuel efficient, plus you save a bit of cash and feel a little better about yourself.

Disadvantages:

  1. Torque Steer: Give it a bit too much gas, and you might feel like your car’s got a mind of its own, pulling you one way when you really want to go another. Unsurprisingly torque steer is when the power is applied unevenly to the drive wheels which in this case is quite prominent.

  2. Handling: Remember when I said that FWD is common in everyday cars? While that's true, these vehicles typically don't excel at cornering. In contrast, sports, super, and hypercars, designed with performance in mind are engineered to master the art of cornering. Hence, FWD can be a bit of a killjoy in the corners.

REAR WHEEL DRIVE (RWD) :

What is rear wheel drive (RWD) ? Here, the engine sends 100% of the power to the rear wheels, making it the go to choice for people who seek fun by pushing the limits and this drivetrain compliments vehicles that more on the sporty side. Hence, it goes without saying that this type of drive train is for enthusiasts and although this was the most common type of driving configuration until the end of the 20th century, today most automobiles are front-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive.

Advantages:

  1. Balanced Handling: RWD offers better weight distribution, enhancing handling and stability, especially during cornering.

  2. Performance Oriented: Ideal for performance driving, as it allows for better acceleration and dynamic control.

  3. Reduced Torque Steer: Since the driving force is applied to the rear, RWD cars typically don't suffer from torque steer.

Disadvantages:

  1. Poor Traction: RWD can struggle in slippery conditions (like snow or ice) because the rear wheels can lose traction more easily but we can argue that, that the exact reason why it’s more fun than FWD.

  2. Less Interior Space: The driveshaft and other components can intrude into the cabin or cargo space—maybe try skateboarding instead of surfing.

  3. Cost & Complexity: RWD systems often involve a more complex drivetrain (including a driveshaft), which can increase manufacturing and maintenance costs—So not the kindest to the wallet if any issues with the system took place but that’s the risk you take when buying one and whether that’s a deal maker or deal breaker that’s for you to decide.

ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) :

What is All wheel drive (AWD) ? Here, the engine distributes the power to all the wheels either at all times or when needed. AWD is commonly found in SUVs, crossovers, and some performance cars.

Advantages:

  1. Enhanced Traction: AWD provides superior traction in various conditions, including rain, snow, mud, and off-road terrains, due to its clever way to put the power down.

  2. Improved Stability: Distributing power to all four wheels enhances vehicle stability and control, especially in adverse weather

  3. Versatility: AWD systems can adapt to changing driving conditions without driver intervention, offering a balance between FWD and RWD benefits.

Disadvantages:

  1. Higher Cost: Vehicles equipped with AWD are typically more expensive to purchase and maintain due to the additional components.

  2. Maintenance Complexity: The added complexity of AWD systems can result in higher maintenance and repair costs over time.

  3. Fuel Efficiency: AWD adds weight and mechanical complexity, which can lead to reduced fuel economy compared to FWD and RWD.

CONCLUSION:

By considering how you drive, where you drive, and what you value most in a vehicle, I hope that this blog helped you in someway to choose the drivetrain that offers the best balance of performance, efficiency, and reliability for your specific needs.

Happy driving and see you soon !

Rohan Malhotra