The Advantages of Rear Wheel Drive Cars that Draw a Loyal Fan Base

Just like manual vs automatic or Ford vs Chevy, another ongoing automotive debate is front-wheel drive (FWD) vs rear-wheel drive (RWD). The rear wheel drive cars are prized for their more balanced performance and better handling. In fact, some unique advantages of rear wheel drive have earned it a large pool of loyal fan base. Let’s find out what these benefits are.

What Is Rear Wheel Drive?

Cars with an RWD mechanism has the engine located at the front and it establishes a connection to the driveshaft to send power to the rear part. Most of the automobiles manufactured in the 20th century have this mechanism because it is cheaper to put rear wheels in the charge of all the power and front wheels of the steering. Also, the engine’s position in the front side acts as a protective barrier for the driver and the passengers in case of a direct collision.

The Advantages of Rear Wheel Drive

The RWD mechanism is an age-old technology because it was cheaper and was achievable with the limited technical knowledge in the early automotive industry.

Why is rear wheel drive better?

The RWD fans have many theories but the most plausible ones about the benefits of rear wheel drive are:

Enhanced Acceleration

An RWD car’s acceleration is better than an FWD car from a stop. A vehicle’s weight shifts to the rear part at the time of acceleration from a stop, which puts extra weight to the rear in an RWD model. As a result, the overweight increases the traction of the tires and promotes faster acceleration.

Better Handling

Each set of tires in rear wheel drive cars has only one task to perform – the front sent controls the steering while the rear set provides power. The car can draw out more grip while cutting a corner because of the separate functions of the wheels.

Also, the even weight balance helps the car to drive with more authority through a corner. The driver will find the car more agile and controllable.

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• The Differences between All-Wheel-Drive and Four-Wheel-Drive
• Why Honda Is Still Not into the Rear-Wheel-Drive?

Eliminate Torque Steer

Torque steer is a big problem with FWD vehicles. It is a condition when the engine torque affects the steering and pulls the car to one side during heavy acceleration. It happens because the driveline is connected to the steering wheels. One of the biggest advantages of rear wheel drive is that the vehicles don’t show this problem since there is no direct connection between the engine and the steering gear.

Cars with Rear Wheel Drive

The rear-wheel drive suits best the high-performance, high-horsepower automobiles. You will find it in every category – family cars, sedans, stylish SUVs, sports cars, high-performance automobiles, and trucks.

Some of the best and most popular names among rear wheel drive cars are Porsche Cayman, the 2018 Lexus LC, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and E-Class, Porsche Boxster, and more.

The advantages of rear wheel drive vehicles are many. They show a high-level of endurance against abuse and wear and tear. They are easier to fix and replace. However, you will need to have top-class driving skills to properly handle an RWD car and utilize all of its functions.