FWD vs. RWD vs. AWD: MSJ sort through the acronyms
Karthik Sivakumar, MBA2, with contributions from Ray Wacek, MBA2
Issue date: 9/11/06 Section: Automotive
For the past few weeks, I have received inquiries from several Ross students about the type of vehicle they should buy. Can I recommend a gas-sipping SUV that can handle the Michigan snow? Is there an affordable sports car that can be a potential babe magnet and yet be driven in winter? Are Japanese cars the right choice? As I responded to these questions, I felt the need to dispel some myths about vehicles and help the Ross community make better decisions on their mobility choices. My fellow editor, Ray Wacek, and I were planning an article on a sports car we had road-tested earlier in spring, but we felt that a little vehicle education would be more timely and useful as we kickoff this academic year. This article covers the various drive systems found in today's vehicles.
1. Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
As the name suggests, the power from the engine is transmitted to both the front wheels. Most passenger cars and minivans in the market today are front wheel drive.
Pros: FWD cars are adequate to handle most icy and snowy conditions as the weight of the engine and transmission is directly on the front wheels that push the car. However, a caveat is that it should have good tires. A FWD car is, in general, better that a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) car in snow. FWD is a compact system that allows for the vehicle to be smaller (with superior fuel economy) and reasonably priced.
Cons: Because of the weight bias towards the front, FWD cars are limited in the handling and performance departments. This is why a typical Honda, Chevy, or Toyota sedan will not match the handling prowess of a BMW, Lexus, or even your grandpa's old Buick from the seventies. Many true driving enthusiasts shun FWD cars for this reason.
Our Take: FWD is a great choice for the average Ross driver who needs to go from point A to point B and who needs good road traction on those snowy days.
2. Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)
Though the engine is in the front, RWD vehicles only send power to the rear wheels. This used to be the main system found in the domestic brand cars until the 1980's. BMW also uses this system on their cars.
1. Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
As the name suggests, the power from the engine is transmitted to both the front wheels. Most passenger cars and minivans in the market today are front wheel drive.
Pros: FWD cars are adequate to handle most icy and snowy conditions as the weight of the engine and transmission is directly on the front wheels that push the car. However, a caveat is that it should have good tires. A FWD car is, in general, better that a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) car in snow. FWD is a compact system that allows for the vehicle to be smaller (with superior fuel economy) and reasonably priced.
Cons: Because of the weight bias towards the front, FWD cars are limited in the handling and performance departments. This is why a typical Honda, Chevy, or Toyota sedan will not match the handling prowess of a BMW, Lexus, or even your grandpa's old Buick from the seventies. Many true driving enthusiasts shun FWD cars for this reason.
Our Take: FWD is a great choice for the average Ross driver who needs to go from point A to point B and who needs good road traction on those snowy days.
2. Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)
Though the engine is in the front, RWD vehicles only send power to the rear wheels. This used to be the main system found in the domestic brand cars until the 1980's. BMW also uses this system on their cars.
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brebdonera
posted 3/22/10 @ 3:50 PM EST
Nice review! Thanks!
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