What Are the Differences Between Front-Wheel Drive and Rear-Wheel Drive?
If you are not an automotive mechanic or a gearhead, there is a good chance that you will look at an automotive spec sheet and come away with a few questions. We are here to help. Many car shoppers who visit Autos of Dallas in search of a pre-owned luxury car or crossover want to know – what are the differences between front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive? Learn more about how your used Mercedes-Benz C-Class operates and what the advantages of FWD vs. RWD might be with this quick overview.
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What Are the Advantages of Front-Wheel Drive?
When you see front-wheel drive on a vehicle spec sheet, it indicates that the horsepower and torque are distributed to the front axle, which is used to power and steer your vehicle. Models that are equipped with FWD possess several advantages over their rear-wheel drive counterparts. With the front axle located under the engine, front-wheel drive vehicles put more weight on the front axle, which translates to better traction when faced with snow, ice or poor road conditions.
In addition to better traction in adverse weather conditions, many front-wheel drive vehicles employ transverse-mounted engines that allow for a more spacious cabin and a smaller overall design. As a result, FWD cars and crossovers tend to be smaller, more efficient and more spacious than rear-wheel drive vehicles. With so much mechanical weight in the front of the car, front-wheel drive vehicles also tend to be easier to control when you lose traction.
What Are the Advantages of Rear-Wheel Drive?
A staple of performance-tuned vehicles, rear-wheel drive technology promises to upgrade acceleration and handling at every turn. When a vehicle is equipped with RWD, it means that all power is diverted to the rear axle and the front axle is dedicated to steering and handling. In the past, rear-wheel drive vehicles were more affordable to build and the dedicated axles, translate to more precise handling, better traction when going into turns and improved acceleration. As a result, rear-wheel drive vehicles are geared towards high-end performance.
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Have you ever wondered – what are the differences between front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive? What makes one better than the other? If you are curious about the inner workings of your vehicle, this quick overview that highlights the advantages of each drivetrain will give you a good idea of what makes your car or crossover tick. Visit the Autos of Dallas inventory today to find a pre-owned luxury car that will fit your lifestyle!
