Best drive layout

[Stevie_UKAccord]

Just wondering what everybodys opinion is on this.

[Accumulator]

Speaking as an Audi S8 driver who's had over a dozen All-Wheel-Drive vehicles, I still voted for RWD RWD just seems to give the best handling; it seems most in tune with the laws of physics, especially when it comes to the effects of weight transfer. The best AWD systems seem to sorta circumvent the laws of physics, which can be great, but just isn't my idea of "best".

Depends on what you mean by "best", I suppose (and the intended use of the vehicle). Heh heh, if I like RWD so much, why do I buy all the quattros Easy answer- they're great in crappy weather and for those rare but critical moments like the "deer incident".

[percynjpn]

Interesting reply! I voted for rear drive as well. The only 4wd's I've owned were a Grand Cherokee (for OFF-roading), and a Nissan Skyline GT-R. I really can't understand why some "high-performance" cars come with 4wd. The only advantage I can see is traction in the wet; my present Silvia and lesser Skylines I've driven (with rear drive) are far more "natural" in their dynamics, and I think generally more nimble and fun to drive. I wonder why some cars like the Gallardo have 4wd - maybe I'm missing something (Ferrari doesn't seem to think so. . .)

[sophmeat]

Heh.. who said front wheel drive?

[Griz]

That's what I was wondering too, but I'm willing to bet it was a slip.

[rjstaaf]

Originally posted by sophmeat
Heh.. who said front wheel drive?

I think the meant a rear wheel drive car going in reverse. That would qualify as front wheel drive wouldn't it?

[kgb]

I voted for front wheel drive. I have had 3 rear wheel drive vehicles and two front wheel drive vehicles and by far the best handling has been the front wheel drive for me. The car goes where I steer it and I never worry about the front end oversteer. In the winter the weight of the engine is above the wheels getting power unlike a rear wheel drive car which is usually not fun in snowy or wet conditions. But that is just my take on things. I personally prefer front wheel drive over rear wheel drive for my driving situations and conditions.

[T. Perinne]

Rear wheel drive! Weight transfer is one of the keys to decent 60 foot times Drag racer where?

[norahcrv]

I'm with you 2001civicex!
I've only driven Honda Front Wheel Drives for the last 30 years, and find their handling to be excellent. I'm not out to drag race anybody, but it sure is nice to know that when the weather turns bad, I'll be able to get home safely!
Norah

[kgb]

Originally posted by norahcrv
I'm with you 2001civicex!
I've only driven Honda Front Wheel Drives for the last 30 years, and find their handling to be excellent. I'm not out to drag race anybody, but it sure is nice to know that when the weather turns bad, I'll be able to get home safely!
Norah

Yeah, I love the way my car handles. Grant it I have a bigger rear sway bar, lower tie bar, lowered susupension, and front and rear strut bars but it handles very nice and the weight ratios on the Hondas are nice too. I beleive my weight ratio is 49/51 or visa versa. But then again I am no drad racer.

[TortoiseAWD]

IMO, chassis, suspension design, and tires are much better indicators of good handling than drivetrain layout. And, to reiterate what Accumulator mentioned: Best for what use? Horses for courses, and all that . . .

That said, in general I prefer AWD.

Tort

[SpoiledMan]

Originally posted by 2001civicex
Yeah, I love the way my car handles. Grant it I have a bigger rear sway bar, lower tie bar, lowered susupension, and front and rear strut bars but it handles very nice and the weight ratios on the Hondas are nice too. I beleive my weight ratio is 49/51 or visa versa. But then again I am no drad racer.

More like 60/40 with the weight bias to the front.

I'm not bashing as I have a few of the front drivers too.