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If you’ve ever caught yourself wondering, ‘What is rear-wheel drive?’, you’re in the right place. Many cars have this drive system and it’s important to understand how it works, especially if you plan to hire or buy a vehicle.
We’ll cover everything about rear-wheel drive in this article. You’ll find out all about how this two-wheel drive mode differs from front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. We will also discuss its advantages and disadvantages, as well as which road conditions it works best in. So whether you’re a sports car enthusiast or simply a curious mind that wants to learn how both large and small cars provide power from their engines, make sure to stick around.
Table Of Contents
What Is Rear-Wheel Drive?
Rear-wheel drive is a vehicle propulsion system where the engine powers only the rear wheels. This kind of setup is very often seen in most sports cars on the market.
Rear-wheel drive cars have a straightforward mechanical layout. The engine sends power to the rear axle, which then drives the rear wheels. This layout in motor vehicles places the engine at the front and the driven wheels at the rear.
The rear-wheel-drive system dates back to 1891 with the Panhard model, which had its engine mounted at the front.
While RWD vehicles have a reputation for strong performance, they can be challenging to handle in slippery conditions. This is especially true when we compare them to front-wheel drive vehicles, where the engine’s power is sent to the front wheels or four-wheel drive, where all four wheels are powered. There are different 4×4 variants from popular car manufacturers that you can find on the market.
How Does Rear-Wheel Drive Work?
The rear-wheel drive works in a way that the engine transmits power to the rear wheels of the vehicle. The gearbox, which manages the engine’s power, will transfer that power to the rear axle via a drive shaft. Then, the drive shaft will connect to the differential and allow the rear wheels to rotate at different speeds.
RWD vehicles will provide you with a balanced weight distribution, which results in greater grip and better balance, and it will give you a sense of control. The weight distribution also contributes to better traction during acceleration, especially in performance cars.
A rear-wheel drive car will excel at acceleration and give you the sensation of being pushed from behind. Furthermore, the way your car responds to your input will make driving more enjoyable. However, when compared to front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, its performance in bad weather is not particularly good.
The wheelbase impacts the way rear-wheel-drive vehicles are driven. A longer wheelbase contributes to stability, while a shorter wheelbase can make the car more agile. Check out our deep dive into what a wheelbase is.
Advantages & Disadvantages Of RWD
Driving a RWD vehicle will offer you several advantages. Some of them are:
- Better handling – Because of balanced weight distribution, they have predictable and neutral handling, especially during turns.
- Acceleration performance – It’s designed to excel in acceleration, which is an advantage in sports-oriented driving.
- Connected driving experience – Many driving enthusiasts appreciate the engaging experience and control they get with a rear-wheel drive car.
And here is where rear-wheel drive cars could do better:
- Challenges in snowy conditions – RWD vehicles thrive in dry conditions, but in inclement weather, they will be way less stable. It’s always better to choose four-wheel-drive cars or those that rely more on the front wheels in those instances.
- Cost – Rear-wheel-drive cars often require stronger engines, which can be more costly and complex to produce. As a result, the buying or hiring price will be higher than for front-wheel-drive cars.
- Fuel efficiency – Being a high-performance vehicle will inevitably lead to increased fuel consumption. So, fuel economy isn’t rear-wheel drive’s strongest suit. That being said, some models are more fuel-efficient than others.
RWD Vs FWD Vs 4WD Vs AWD
If all those letters seem super confusing to you, don’t worry; you’re not the only one. They stand for rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, respectively. Here are the basic differences between these wheel drive types.
With rear-wheel drive cars, the power is reserved for the rear axle, which contributes to the various advantages this type of vehicle offers. A FWD vehicle delivers power to the front wheels rather than the rear wheel area.
One specific problem associated with front-wheel drive cars is torque steer. It’s when uneven weight distribution causes the vehicle to pull to one side during acceleration.
Four-wheel drive mode and all-wheel drive both deliver power to the front and rear wheels and the basic difference between the two is that you can manually choose when to use a 4WD driving system, while AWD operates automatically, and no driver input is required for engagement. You can click here to learn more about their differences.
Read our guide about the four-wheel drive system to know everything about it.
For Whom Is An RWD Car The Right Pick?
An RWD car is the right pick for sports car enthusiasts as well as for knowledgeable drivers. You’ll have to be comfortable managing rear-wheel cars, which provide a much more dynamic driving experience than front-wheel drive cars. Driving a sports car with an RWD will provide you with a distinct feel of excitement, and it’s not for the fainthearted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Rear-Wheel Drive Used For?
A rear-wheel drive is a drivetrain configuration where engine power is transmitted exclusively to the rear wheels. Rear-wheel drive is often associated with high-performance and sports cars. While RWD provides excellent performance characteristics, it can pose challenges in slippery or adverse road conditions.
Is RWD Better Than FWD?
No, a RWD is not better than a FWD. The choice between these two driving systems will depend strictly on your needs and preferences. If you’re performance-oriented, you should choose a RWD vehicle. And if you drive in low-traction conditions, such as snow or rain, a four-wheel drive vehicle will serve you better.
Is RWD Faster Than 4WD?
No, RWD is not faster than 4WD. Although RWD cars are usually suited for sporty performance and fast acceleration, 4WD cars can match up and may even be faster in certain instances due to their incredible traction. In the end, it comes down to the vehicles in question and the driving condition.
Is RWD Harder To Drive?
Yes, RWD is harder to drive. It can be more challenging to drive it because it requires more input from the driver. This can be especially hard for young and inexperienced drivers. However, with practice and proper handling techniques, it’s easier to find driving a rear-wheel drive vehicle enjoyable than a front-wheel-drive car.
Conclusion
Now that we have answered the question, ‘What is rear-wheel drive’, you have all the information you need. Nothing is stopping you from hiring your perfect vehicle and conquering the roads in style. Since this is a vehicle whose back wheels are responsible for providing power, it will offer you a unique and thrilling driving experience.
