Auto advice: What does front-wheel drive mean? Is it better than rear-wheel drive?

Our motoring editor answers your questions on the ‘drive-train configurations’ that send the power from the engine to the wheels of a vehicle

What are drive-train configurations?

You may not be familiar with the term drive-trains, but the most common configurations of drive-trains are rear-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.

​What is meant by front-wheel drive (FWD)?

Front-wheel drive is typically used in most cars. It means the engine sends power to the front wheels. This offers better fuel economy but less performance than other options. If the conditions are slippery, then FWD cars offer good traction because the weight of the engine and transmission are directly over the front wheels.

​So what is rear-wheel drive (RWD) then?

RWD is where the power generated by the engine is sent to the rear wheels. This is commonly found on sports and high-performance cars as the power is delivered to the rear wheels, giving better handling on dry roads. It also allows a more even weight distribution and better handling in ideal driving conditions. However, as the rear wheels don’t carry as much weight as the front it is very easy to lose control in icy conditions. RWD is the oldest of all drive systems: the very first car, the 1885 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, was rear-wheel drive.

​What does four-wheel drive (4WD) mean?

Predominantly used for heavy off-roading, four-wheel drive is a system that sends power to all four wheels equally. Most 4WD systems have high and a low gear range and as a result are the best option for harsh off-road driving situations. But 4WD adds weight to the vehicle so the configuration is not particularly fuel efficient.

​Finally, what is all-wheel drive (AWD)?

An all-wheel-drive (AWD) system sends the power to both the front and rear wheels all the time, but, unlike 4WD systems that send as much power to all four wheels as equally as possible, all-wheel drive is about varying the amount of power to each wheel. It’s mostly used in regular car and offers excellent traction on surfaces such as snow or sand.

Top Tip: If you plan on using your vehicle off-road and in difficult terrain then 4WD is the best option, but for most people AWD makes more sense. However in wintry conditions nothing often beats a good set of tyres, either all-season or winter.

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