RWD,FWD, or AWD

[xXx=BioHazard=xXx]

I have some friends who say AWD is best or RWD is best. I wanna find out what u think about them. which is better for street racing? which has better handling?

[-The Stig-]

Ugh, there's a Non-specific forum for a reason bro...


Moved.

[tha_new_guy]

All powertrains can be made to handle, really. There are great handling cars that are FWD, RWD, or AWD. I have owned an AWD and FWD vehicle.

For racing in a straight line from a stop, I'd say AWD due to the monster launches. RWD is also good, with FWD coming in last. The weight of the vehicle transfers to the non driving tires, causing traction issues.

For racing in a straight line from a roll, I would say FWD, as there are less drivetrain losses as the power is transferred to the wheels. A FWD car will beat a RWD car from a roll, if for instance both have 220 hp at the flywheel and equal gearing. AWD comes in last from a roll, as there are drivetrain losses putting power to the wheels. Ask YoungVR4 about that pesky Integra, hehe.

As for road racing and such, I think AWD and RWD are very close, with FWD at a distant 3rd. AWD and RWD just require different racing strategies on how you enter/exit corners.

For inclement weather, AWD owns and FWD is 2nd, with weight over the drive wheels. RWD is a close 3rd.

I hope that covered everything.

[xXx=BioHazard=xXx]

Yea it did thanks, I'll be turning 15 and im looking into cars to buy(i have a job to pay for one) and i didnt know what i would need.

[jeffs_GTP_sleeper]

Originally Posted by xXx=BioHazard=xXx

Yea it did thanks, I'll be turning 15 and im looking into cars to buy(i have a job to pay for one) and i didnt know what i would need.

If you want power and need a daily driver up north FWD is a viable option.

2005/2006 Pontiac GXP 303hp 323torqe FWD (wider front tires than rears)
It has a LS4 V8 with DOD technology(better fuel economy)

[KevinE326]

Originally Posted by tha_new_guy

All powertrains can be made to handle, really. There are great handling cars that are FWD, RWD, or AWD. I have owned an AWD and FWD vehicle.

For racing in a straight line from a stop, I'd say AWD due to the monster launches. RWD is also good, with FWD coming in last. The weight of the vehicle transfers to the non driving tires, causing traction issues.

For racing in a straight line from a roll, I would say FWD, as there are less drivetrain losses as the power is transferred to the wheels. A FWD car will beat a RWD car from a roll, if for instance both have 220 hp at the flywheel and equal gearing. AWD comes in last from a roll, as there are drivetrain losses putting power to the wheels. Ask YoungVR4 about that pesky Integra, hehe.

As for road racing and such, I think AWD and RWD are very close, with FWD at a distant 3rd. AWD and RWD just require different racing strategies on how you enter/exit corners.

For inclement weather, AWD owns and FWD is 2nd, with weight over the drive wheels. RWD is a close 3rd.

I hope that covered everything.

wow. just want to give you props on the nice, informative post.

[JekylandHyde]

For the average driver, AWD is going to be the easiest to launch ~ especially on the street. FWD will be a nightmare.

The benefit of RWD is the lighter weight and the weight transfer.
AWD is great, but is disgustingly heavy.

The fastest cars in the world on asphalt or other road surface, in all types motorsports that I am aware of are RWD. The AWD cars obviously dominate off-road racing and the sports like WRC that have varying track surfaces and weather (i.e. snow).

Originally Posted by tha_new_guy

A FWD car will beat a RWD car from a roll, if for instance both have 220 hp at the flywheel and equal gearing.

... unless the RWD car happens to be midengine with a transaxle

*cough* MR2 *cough*

[drftk1d]

dude, just know that rwd owns for mad reasons, you can do burnouts (unlike awd, well normal ones) and get power oversteer (unlike a fwd).

[tha_new_guy]

Originally Posted by JekylandHyde

... unless the RWD car happens to be midengine with a transaxle

*cough* MR2 *cough*

Do Midengined vehicles have less drivetrain loss?

[JekylandHyde]

Originally Posted by tha_new_guy

Do Midengined vehicles have less drivetrain loss?

If you have identical power plants & transmissions, why would you have any more drivetrain loss if the engine is over the rear wheels instead of the front?

The MR2 just has a Celica engine & tranny moved to the back.

I can understand your point in front engine, rear-wheel drive cars because they have more of a drivetrain to speak of, but the MR2 really isn't any different than the FWD-version of it's siblings.

[tha_new_guy]

Originally Posted by JekylandHyde

If you have identical power plants & transmissions, why would you have any more drivetrain loss if the engine is over the rear wheels instead of the front?

The MR2 just has a Celica engine & tranny moved to the back.

I can understand your point in front engine, rear-wheel drive cars because they have more of a drivetrain to speak of, but the MR2 really isn't any different than the FWD-version of it's siblings.

Damn, didn't think of that.

Hyde:1 New Guy:0

[JekylandHyde]

lol ... it's all good.
The MR2 just happens to use a transaxle from a FWD rather than the typical transmission+driveshaft+rearend+axles that wastes so much energy.

Someday, everyone will realize the MR2 is the car to own j/k

[Mediocrity]

unless you race competitively, id say its just personal preference.

Where I live the roads are shitty, and even worse in the rain (no inspections, so lots of oil on the road.. when it rains.. yeah) so FWD is fun in the rain.

[silentscreams85]

if your just learning to drive FWD is recomended. its a pretty forgiving transmission. my tundra is RWD and it tends to "feel" different while turning and whatnot. but i got used to it. havent driven AWD. but i like the "feel" of RWD as opposed to FWD

[GritMaster]

Tracked Vehicles are best.

Tanks, snowmobiles etc.

Screw Wheels Tracks are where it's at!