FWD vs. RWD vs. AWD

Car drivetrains are divided into three categories: FWD (front wheel drive), RWD (rear wheel drive) and AWD (all wheel drive). Each drivetrain has their own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.

Front wheel drive

Front wheel drive means that power goes to the front wheels. This leads to a point-and-go driving mechanic that is very predictable.

Since the front wheels handle both steering and throttle, they can be easily overwhelmed and lose grip. This can result in understeer, where turning the steering wheel doesn't change the direction of the car because the wheels can’t get enough traction.

Traditionally, racers didn't like FWD cars because of their tendencies to understeer, torque steer and be nose heavy since the engine and drivetrain are in the front. However, cars like the Honda Civic Type-R have proven that FWD cars are capable of incredible on track performance when designed well.

Rear wheel drive

Rear wheel drive means that power goes to the back wheels. RWD cars can “power over” turns or oversteer, popularized by drifting. Most RWD cars have their engines in the front, which results in a well-balanced weight distribution.

Mid-engine RWD cars are even more balanced, as the heaviest components, like the engine, sits in the center of gravity of the car. These cars exhibit highly neutral and predictable dynamics during acceleration, turns, and braking. However, mid-engine cars are usually expensive supercars, because the engine location makes them very impractical.

Rear-engine RWD cars are relatively rare - the Porsche 911 is the flag-bearer of this configuration. This setup provides great acceleration and traction since most of the weight is over the accelerating wheels, but they are very prone to oversteer. This is why 911s have unique driving dynamics and a high learning curve.

All wheel drive

All wheel drive powers all four wheels at the same time. Advanced AWD systems may send different percentages of power to the front or the back.

AWD setups have the most traction and ability to put down power. They will almost always win against similarly powerful FWD or RWD cars in a 0-60 drag race. AWD typically offers better traction and control in low-grip situations like snow or wet roads. However, AWD cars are heavier, which is a disadvantage.

When it comes to engine layouts, AWD systems make the car more neutral. For example, a front-engine AWD car will be more neutral than a front-engine FWD car, and a rear-engine AWD car will be more neutral than a rear-engine RWD car. Many supercars are made in the mid-engine AWD configuration because it’s so balanced and neutral.

Which configuration is the best?

There is not a right answer. The advantages of each drivetrain depend on the driver's preferences, driving style and intended use of the vehicle. As a beginner, you don’t need to think too much about the specific configuration. As long as the car is objectively a good car, you can go very far with it.