[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/fwd-vs-rwd\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/fwd-vs-rwd\/","headline":"FWD vs RWD: Which is for you?","name":"FWD vs RWD: Which is for you?","description":"If \u00a0you are considering purchasing a new car, there are a whole load of different things to think about, but have you thought if you would prefer RWD or FWD? There are a whole bunch of pros and cons to consider for both options so lets take a look at each\u2026 Front Wheel Drive The first thing that probably comes to mind when you think of FWD is its superior traction in snow or icy weather. But, have you ever […]","datePublished":"2017-08-09","dateModified":"2017-08-09","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/#Person","name":"Matthew Collett","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/","identifier":5,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/2010-Ford-Mustang-GT-feature.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/2010-Ford-Mustang-GT-feature.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/fwd-vs-rwd\/","about":["BLOG"],"wordCount":453,"keywords":["audi a3","BMW 1 Series","front wheel drive","FWD","Lamborghini Aventador S","Mercedes-AMG GT R","rear wheel drive","RWD","Subaru BRZ","VW Golf"],"articleBody":"If \u00a0you are considering purchasing a new car, there are a whole load of different things to think about, but have you thought if you would prefer RWD or FWD? There are a whole bunch of pros and cons to consider for both options so lets take a look at each\u2026Front Wheel DriveThe first thing that probably comes to mind when you think of FWD is its superior traction in snow or icy weather. But, have you ever thought about why almost all small cars are FWD?The truth is that most FWD cars use engines that are mounted transversely which means that the transmission isn\u2019t stuck into passenger space under the floor, not only this but they don\u2019t require such large drift-shaft tunnels. All of this empty space means that FWD cars can be much smaller, more fuel efficient whilst also having as much interior room as larger cars.It\u2019s also a very good idea to consider your safety when choosing a car and there is no doubt that a FWD car is ultimately safer as coming off a road forwards is much better than sideways and increasing your chances or flipping or rolling!Positives of a FWDLess Fuel ConsumptionCheaper to PurchaseSaferMore RoomCheaper to insureRear Wheel Drive\u00a0RWD cars are very rugged and simple at the same time, this is even more so if it\u2019s a solid axle design. If you were to drive over a curb or deep pothole in a RWD car, you would be much less likely to break something compared to a FWD. This is why most service vehicles are RWD.You may often wonder why pretty much all sports and race cars are RWD and that is because they offer better balance and better handling.The weight of the car is more evenly distributed compared to FWD cars which have most of their weight in the engine and trans axle.It\u2019s important to remember that if you ever want to go to a track and enjoy some drifting time, you will have to go for a RWD as it is practically impossible to do so in a FWD!Positives of a RWDMore durableBetter for racingMore fun to driveAbility to driftSo what\u2019s the verdict?In conclusion, it very much depends on what you are looking for in a car when deciding between the two. If you are looking for a sporty car that is perfect for weekends at a track then you should definitely choose a RWD, but if you are looking for a family car or \u00a0haven\u2019t been driving long then a FWD is a better choice."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"FWD vs RWD: Which is for you?","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/fwd-vs-rwd\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]