[JD@af]

Thank you Moppie and 2SB.

TatII, you do raise some legit points. It is true that you gain a certain element fo control in having the rear wheels for power, and the front wheels to steer/bear most of the burden of braking. However, you pretty much answered your own question:

Originally Posted by TatII

how is it easier to regain control for a FWD over a RWD?

Most auto manufacturers build relatively utilitarian cars for the masses, so they are generally working down to the lowest common denominator of driver. Hence, the ubuquitous automatic transmission, particularly in the USA (I would estimate, off-hand, that 95+% of all cars in this country have automatic transmissions). Additionally, car manufacturers also take the proactive approach of trying to reduce the incidence of automobile accidents by making cars that, as you said:

Originally Posted by TatII

the main thing is, its harder to spin out in a FWD. so its more dummy proof. its harder to ulitmately lose control for a FWD ( spin out) however it is quit easy to understeer.

And there you have it. For more experienced drivers, a manual transmission gives you much more control over your car than an automatic. But, you have to be skilled and experienced enough to do it. For those not as experienced, a manual transmission IMO makes you more of a potential accident. And I'll agree half way with that point for RWD cars. If you travel up to a climate where they deal with snow and ice for a significant portion of the year, drive train layout strongly indluences vehicle selection, and you will see that FWD is much much more popular than RWD. You can argue with this all you like, but I stand by this.

One more thing. I think you may be over-emphasizing the potential danger in a car that understeers. I will not repeat myself (see previous post). Understeer is safer than oversteer (i.e. for the lowest common denominator of driver). Besides that, Mops has deflated the issue of understeering characteristics as they purporedly pertain to drive train layout. And, I would also like to add that just like in a RWD drive, you can modulate your steering with throttle application in a FWD car as well (if I am understeering a little going around a turn in my Integra, I can let up on the gas a little, and without moving the wheel, I can correct the turn).