Pros and Cons of Rear Wheel Drive Vehicles in Modern Driving Conditions

The decision to drive a rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicle versus a front-wheel drive (FWD) or even an all-wheel drive (AWD) is a personal one, influenced by a variety of factors ranging from performance to reliability. Here, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of RWD vehicles in the context of modern driving conditions.

Pros of Rear Wheel Drive Vehicles

One of the most appealing aspects of RWD vehicles is their improved handling in dry conditions. Due to the placement of the engine and transmission, the weight is better distributed, and the weight transfer on corners can be more advantageous.

Rear-wheel drive is also known for its less complex underpinnings. With fewer parts packed into a tight space, RWD vehicles often experience less expensive maintenance. Maintenance and repair costs for FWD vehicles are typically higher because more parts must be removed for access.

RWD vehicles provide better reliability over time. With fewer parts underneath the vehicle, the risk of mechanical issues is reduced, making these cars generally more dependable.

Towing large loads is easier with RWD vehicles. The pulling wheels are closer to the load, which makes the task more manageable. Additionally, steering is much easier as the back wheels provide power while the front wheels do the steering, making turning angles less abrupt.

Cons of Rear Wheel Drive Vehicles

While RWD vehicles have many appealing features, they do have some limitations, especially in adverse weather conditions. Rain and snow can exacerbate the already common issue of loss of traction, leading to unsafe driving conditions.

RWA1. Rear-wheel drive can fishtail on wet and gravel roads. If too much power is applied, the rear wheels can lose traction, causing the vehicle to fishtail or skid. This is especially problematic in wet and gravel conditions compared to FWD, which tends to pull the vehicle straight under the same conditions.

Con2. Worse control in rain and snow is a significant drawback. During such weather, the chances of a loss of traction are higher, leading to decreased control and potential accidents. This can be especially challenging for the average driver who may not fully understand how to exploit the handling advantages of RWD.

Historical and Advanced Considerations

While the dynamics of driving a RWD vehicle have remained relatively unchanged over time, the role of modern technology has significantly impacted FWD and AWD vehicles. Advanced traction and stability control systems in modern cars use selective braking to keep the vehicle on a proper course, making the traditional techniques mentioned earlier less applicable.

Compare this to the early days of RWD, such as with the 1960 VW, where the manual intervention with the gas pedal could be used to strategically maximize traction for a safer turn. Now, these systems are far more sophisticated, making them difficult to outsmart or manually influence in the same way.

Real-World Examples

A personal example of a RWD vehicle's limitation comes from the author's experience with a 1960 VW. The car, despite its 36 HP engine, was often called upon to help those with FWD vehicles that struggled with snow. This highlights the disadvantage of RWD in poor weather conditions.

Modern RWD vehicles also face the issue of performing poorly in such conditions. They are more prone to a loss of traction on slick roads, which can lead to accidents after a loss of control. This is particularly concerning for drivers who do not fully understand how to compensate for such deficiencies.

However, advancements in all-wheel drive (AWD) technology, such as those with a lockable centre differential, provide a better solution in both wet and gravel conditions. The combination of AWD with a lockable centre diff and transaxles is cheaper to produce, making cars lighter and easier to produce, providing a balanced option for improved performance and reliability.

Conclusion

The choice between a RWD, FWD, or AWD vehicle depends on the needs and expectations of the driver. While RWD offers excellent handling in dry conditions and lower maintenance costs, it falls short in adverse weather conditions. As technology continues to evolve, the balance between performance and reliability is becoming more finely tuned, providing a range of options for modern drivers to choose from.