[pgsagar]

RWD any day! Pity, we only have FWD hatches and sedans in India, I mean this side of Mercs and Beemers. Front wheels should be used for steering the car only. Compounding steering with propelling the car forward seems to be the reason ( to me ) why we hear that ugly tuk-tuk-tuk driveshaft sound while taking sharp turns in most FWD cars that have logged considerable Kms.

[sujithnk]

RWD for me too . Again i would prefer a traction control which i could turn on and off.
Thanks

[CaliforniaKnight]

RWD anyday over the FWD.Youcan actually understand the difference the moment you take a curve at high speeds,infact I did when i took the 325i and the Accord the same night.

[kaynmantis]

Been driving RWD most of my life. For performance, RWD anyday. For real life situation with traffic and all, It really doesn't matter. In fact FWD does provide better traction on slippery surface.

[kalpeshc]

Which of these are costlier for the manufacturers in India? RWD right? I am assuming that cost may be the major factor why they do not offer RWD in hatches and sedans locally

[kaynmantis]

Im no expert, but I too believe cost is a major factor. Though not offering RWD in hatch and sedans are not a local phenamenon. It appears to be the case globally, especially for lower segment cars. The high-end cars usually comes in RWD or AWD.

[kalpeshc]

Will it be difficult for someone driving FWDs for their entire life to adjust to a RWD? What kind of an experience is that?

[planet_rocker]

if you drive slow - you will not find much difference.

[Shan2nu]

I would never write off a car just bcoz it's a FWD. There are many other factors that go into making a car handle well.

Take this comparo for example

Honda Civic Type R vs Honda S2000

Engine Capacity :
CTR - 2ltr
S2K - 2.2ltr

Power :
CTR - 225ps
S2K - 242ps

Torque :
CTR - 21.5kgm
S2K - 22.5kgm

Weight :
CRT - 1270kgs
S2K - 1250kgs

So the S2K has 200cc more engine capacity, 17ps more power, 1kgm more torque, 20kgs less weight and it's a RWD.

Technically that makes it a winner in every respect right?

Now watch this :

YouTube - CIVIC FD2 VS S2000

Shan2nu

[ssjr0498]

HAHAHA!! man Tsuchiya laughs like an idiot hehehe!!!! But a nice informative video!

Cheers
Shrey

[Ricky_63]

I think that an average driver would not find a big difference in RWD & FWD. Unless you are into fast cornering (rally style driving). FWD are a definate advantage in trecherous conditions like snow, as the car is pulling not pushing.

Places where there is snow etc people prefer FWD vs RWD. Or better still AWD or 4WD

Steering would be more responsive on a FWD as they are the "driven wheels" am I talking thru my hat ???? LOL LOL



Cheers

[Ricky_63]

Originally Posted by kalpeshc

Which of these are costlier for the manufacturers in India? RWD right? I am assuming that cost may be the major factor why they do not offer RWD in hatches and sedans locally

If that were the case the "DOLPHIN" would not have been a RWD would it ?

[kaynmantis]

Originally Posted by Ricky_63

If that were the case the "DOLPHIN" would not have been a RWD would it ?

If you mean this dolphin. It appears to have a rare engine (article says its based on scooter engine). Meaning, drive wheel is directly linked to the engine, similar to FWD where drive wheel is directly linked to engine, just the other way round.

[rrs1951]

I have driven both RWD and FWD cars. Most of my driving has been in city - Mumbai. A id not find any appreciable difference between the two. The differences I found were because of other factors - sophistication levels etc.

Originally Posted by rrs1951

I have driven both RWD and FWD cars. Most of my driving has been in city - Mumbai. A id not find any appreciable difference between the two. The differences I found were because of other factors - sophistication levels etc.

day to day driving the FWD and RWD will not be different at all. RWD is fun in the right hands, and dangerous in the hands of inexperienced people.

I remember downshifting and accelerating during an overtaking maneuver while I was learning in a 137D, did a beautiful 180 degree turn and before I knew it, was facing the way I came, terrifying the surrounding traffic and myself equally.